The MontanaCrossCamp development camp for riders racing age 15-22 returns this year with camps for young women and men. Learn more about the camp and how to apply in this release.
Helena, MONTANA—MontanaCrossCamp kicks into high gear again this July with the Women’s camp entering its third summer (July 8-13) and the Men’s camp its ninth summer (July 15-20).
A training and development fixture for up-and-coming cyclocross talent, the camp incorporates technical cyclocross training, gravel endurance rides straddling the Continental Divide (5,000-6,500 ft), hard off-the-bike conditioning sessions and evening classroom time for video analysis and a range of key topics lead by top rider-coaches and guest speakers.
The camp is open to young women and men cyclocross racing age 15 to 22 during the upcoming cyclocross season.
“I’m super excited again this summer to focus my energy on rider development and working with some of our country’s most promising young cyclocross athletes,” said Director Geoff Proctor. “And to have these great role-modeling coaches contributing to the ethos of the camp—in terms of expectations, accountability, discipline, creating a culture of excellence—it’s an incredibly rewarding experience.”
Visit the MontanaCrossCamp website for application information
This year’s camp brings in the fresh, experiential insights of some of the USA’s top Elite riders: Rebecca Fahringer (Kona-Maxxis-Shimano), Clara Honsinger (Team S&M Pro CX) and veteran MontanaCrossCamp coach Allison Arensman (JA King p/b BR’C CX Team) for the Women’s Camp.
U23 national champ Clara Honsinger will be one of the coaches at this year’s camp. U23 Women. 2018 Cyclocross National Championships, Louisville, KY. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
Curtis White (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld), veteran MontanaCrossCamp coach Tobin Ortenblad (Santa Cruz-Donkey Label Racing) and long-time support coach Scott Herzig (Montana Velo) for the Men’s Camp.
Tobin Ortenblad returns as a coach at this year’s camp. Morning workout, 2017 Montana Cross Camp © Cyclocross Magazine
Under the big sky, this will be the first summer for Honsinger, Fahringer and White leading eager-to-learn-from-the-best riders at the camp that also goes by the affectionate (and somewhat ominous) hashtag #hardcamp.
Reigning Pan-Am and U.S. Nationals U23 Champ and recent Hoogerheide WU23 World Cup runner-up Honsinger said, “Cyclocross is such a well-rounded discipline of cycling and MontanaCrossCamp is a unique opportunity where young athletes can focus 100% on the sport. I’m excited to help these developing riders expand their physical, mental, and technical abilities, and share what useful knowledge I have gained through my own racing.”
Fahringer exuded similar enthusiasm: “I am excited to come to MontanaCrossCamp this summer for a few reasons. I always love to meet new people that are in the sport, and this way I also get to spend some quality time with fellow athletes! Mentoring is also very important to me because of some strong influences I have had for myself through the years. And finally, I am hoping that Geoff can push me into the ’cross season with confidence after being through his camp!”
Current Pan-Am Champ and fresh off his 21st place at the World Championships in Bogense, Curtis White referenced both his time as a camper and now a coach:
“It’s a privilege to be working with Geoff after so many years of being mentored by him and going through his MontanaCrossCamp and EuroCrossCamp programs. Now, I’m in a position where I can start giving back to the younger generation of racers. The camp takes a holistic approach to the sport and teaches what it takes to be a high-level athlete, both on and off the bike. I’m really looking forward to coaching at this year’s camp and helping provide these young athletes with the knowledge to take the next step in this sport.”
Ortenblad, also a past camper and coach with several camp summers under his pedals, explained, “I love coming out to coach at camp for a number of reasons. The camp spotlights all the up and coming Jr’s and U23’s that I otherwise probably wouldn’t have the pleasure of meeting and working with. It wasn’t long ago that I was their age. Being a coach and mentor is super fun as I remember exactly how I looked up to my mentors when I was coming up. On top of all of that, the camp is hard; it helps the campers, as well as myself, kick the legs into gear for the upcoming cyclocross season.”
Montana Cross Camp provides athletes with a unique training opportunity, Women, 2017. © Tom Robertson
With an alumni list numbering over 100 riders since inception in 2011, MontanaCrossCamp continues to shape a selected rider’s competitive, social and motivational skillsets.
Proctor added. “Over the years, I’ve been really proud of how the camp becomes a shared experience and serves as a catalyst for not only preparation of the current season, but also for the larger picture and overall trajectory of a rider. Many camp alums have gone on to the highest levels of the sport.”
In addition, a recent specific focus of MontanaCrossCamp has been the cultivating of our Junior Women’s category who are poised to see their inaugural World Championships in Switzerland in February 2020, as well as a set of Junior Women’s races as part of the DVV Series in Belgium in late December.
For full details on 2019 dates, application and selection process, and deadlines, please visit the MontanaCrossCamp website.
Featured image: Tom Robertson
