February 13, 2012 – The second week of the Cycling BC Junior Warm Weather Camp is underway. The U23 team has been in Capitola, CA for three weeks, while this past week saw the arrival of the men’s U17 development squad in Palm Springs. Staying for the full two weeks is the core men’s junior team of six riders. The themes during the first week will carry into the second week with riders improving their overall fitness and working on technical skills.

Coaches Jeff Ain and Steve Lund have also introduced the “Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Rider of the Day,” rewarding riders with a delicious chocolate medal and flowers. Pictured is Trevor Pearson, the first up the gruelling tram climb.

From the riders: Today was the start of another week of riding in the sun.

We will crush some sprint and TTT efforts and a longer than usual endurance ride. Today’s ride saw the mercury rise to 32 degrees. I would like to take this opportunity to our sponsors for their contributions that make this trip possible.

– Henri de Boever (18)

Today’s ride was a solid hours in the sun of Palm Springs. I think everyone enjoyed the sights in Joshua Tree National Park, and would like to ride there again. We finished the ride off with a steady paceline for about 10 km. I would like to thank all of the sponsors that made this trip possible. It’s been great training and living here so far, and I look forward to the coming rides!

– Jordan Duncan (17)

This is my first Cycling BC high performance camp, and it has been great so far on and off the bike. The weather is really nice in Palm Springs, and the riding is awesome. Our coaches Jeff, Steve and Richard have arranged a great camp that is very enjoyable, and I am looking forward to the next 6 days here. Thank you very much for making this camp happen, I am very appreciative!

– Jackson Pickell (16)

The past 3 weeks have seen the BC U23 team taking up residence and settling in to our new home in Capitola, CA. Now that we have spent some time here all the guys have been able to get acquainted with the buffet of beautiful loops around the area as well as take part in a few of the local group rides. Not only has the riding been superb but also the weather as well as the company; many days have been over 20 degrees and only one day of rain. All of the team is grateful to be able to prepare for the 2012 season in a warm Californian climate and even more grateful for the generous support of Cycling BC’s sponsors and supporters.

– Adam de Vos

“I’m lucky to have a great bunch of guys down here for this training camp, the team chemistry on and off the bike has been phenomenal. we have been fortunate so far with great weather which influenced some long epic rides through the hills of Santa Cruz, some training rides includes routes they use for the AMGEN Tour of California.”

Cheers to all for all the support.

– JS