Why Europe and Why Belgium?
Why race in Europe? Quite frankly because the development pathway leads through there. If you want to be a top level professional road cyclist you have to race in Europe. This is even more important now that road races in North America are fewer and farther in between. Yes, there are some good races in North America but nothing like what is available in Europe – and specifically nothing like the kermesses in Belgium. A typical junior race in Belgium will have at least 60 and sometimes as many as 120 riders jostling for position on narrow, twisty roads in and around small towns complete with plenty of road furniture and on surfaces ranging from good asphalt to concrete with massive expansion joints and of course…cobbles. The races are generally between 60-70 kilometers in length for U17 riders and 88 to 99 kilometers in length for U19 riders. That translates to roughly 1.5 to 1.75 hours of racing for 15/16 year old juniors and 2 to 2.5 hours for 17/18s. Then add the fact that a junior can race up to three times a week in Belgium throughout the summer….well you get the idea.
Trip Overview
In 2026, we are offering two separate three-week camps for U17 and U19 riders. These camps provide an intense introduction to the world of kermesse racing, with participants competing in 2-3 races per week. The camps are led by coaches with extensive experience working with junior riders abroad. Beyond the thrill of racing, athletes will cultivate essential life skills as they train, eat, and live together fostering teamwork and independence. On non-race days, the program balances rigorous competition with cultural enrichment, allowing riders to explore historic war memorials, visit the picturesque city of Bruges, and enjoy the scenic Belgian countryside. This unique blend of high-level racing and personal growth creates an invaluable stepping stone for aspiring cyclists. The learning and development extend far beyond cycling performance alone; however, many athletes experience significant advances in their racing ability that continue to benefit them throughout subsequent seasons.
Program Directors:
Head director Joe Holmes is an Elite Level 1 USA Cycling coach who also holds a UCI Coaching Diploma. He brings over a decade of leadership experience in international junior development programs including stints with the US Junior National Team, In 2021 he served as the European Sport Director for the LUX Junior Men’s Team and was the US Junior National Team Director at the World Championships in Leuven, Belgium.
Jon Heidemann is an Elite Level 1 USA Cycling coach who has been involved in competitive cycling both Nationally and Internationally at all levels since 1986, working with individual athletes, clubs, teams, and governing body’s such as the Bicycle Racing Association of Colorado & USA Cycling. He has extensive experience directing mens junior teams (15-16 & 17-18) in Quebec and Belgium for USA Cycling and Team California
We also utilize apprentice assistants who have taken part in the Belgian Race Academy as juniors in the past. They have first hand knowledge of a number of the races on the schedule and can provide valuable insight on what to expect.
Important Dates:
U17 (junior boys racing age 15-16):
- Arrive into BRU on Thursday 2 July between hours of 08:00 -11:00
- Return home from BRU on Tuesday 21 July
U19s (junior boys racing age 17-18):
- Arrive into BRU on Tuesday 21 July between hours of 08:00-11:00
- Return home from BRU on Tuesday 11 August
Important Information For Racing In Belgium:
- Maximum Gearing
- U17 is 7.68 meters
- U19 is 10.16 meters
- bikecalc.com/archives/development-meters.html
- https://www.westchestercycleclub.org/gearCalculator
- Cycling Vlaanderen Website: https://cycling.vlaanderen/competitie/kalender
- Minimum Handlebar Width for both U17 and U19 is 40 cm measured outside to outside / 38 cm measured center to center
- Maximum Rim Depth
- U17 is 40 mm
- U19 is 65 mm
- You will need a foreign permission letter from USA Cycling
Cost of the trip is $3000 and includes:
- Lodging
- Food
- Professionally licensed team staff
- Phase 1 Team kit custom made by Castelli Cycling
- Transportation to and from races
- Does not include airfare to Belgium
Deposits and Final Payments: All trips require a non-refundable $500 deposit. Full payment is due 45 days in advance of the first day of your program
Refund Policy: All trip deposits and final payments are non-refundable. Our refund policy takes into consideration our planning time and the fact that we have a limited number of spaces on any given program. We also have fixed costs such as securing lodging and vehicles 9 months in advance. When possible we try to be flexible, but we cannot be responsible for scheduling conflicts, training injuries, work/ school related issues, and other obligations that may prevent an individual from attending a program. We are always happy to discuss our refund policies in advance of registration.
Travel & Cancellation Insurance: We suggest you purchase travel insurance for your trip. We are not an insurance agency but we can make some suggestions such as Redpoint Travel Insurance as well as Global Rescue.
To Register or Request More Information Email Us Here:
