FALL EVALUATION CAMP
Riders looking to join Bateman's Youth Racing Teams must attend our 2026 Fall Evaluation Camp.
This fun, 4 session program will allow us to evaluate and properly place your child with coaches and riders of an appropriate level for the 2027 season.
ABOUT OUR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS:
Bateman’s Youth Development Program is a year-round youth mountain bike training program for committed riders aged 9–14, led by certified instructors.
The program is structured across two development teams: one focused on foundational skill building and progression, and a second, higher-performance team designed for more advanced riders pursuing technical and competitive growth. Kids will move between the two groups based on progression and ability.
Training follows a seasonal pathway, moving from winter strength and conditioning to spring endurance, summer trail progression, and fall Enduro-focused riding.
Athletes receive weekly coached sessions, technical skills development, race support, and integrated opportunities including Bateman’s MTB School Summer Camp and a Downhill Weekend. Admission is application-based; all submissions are reviewed and families will be contacted if a rider is selected as a good fit for the program.
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Development Team 1
Building Strong Trail Riders
Development Team 1 is designed for riders who are comfortable riding blue trails and are ready to build confidence, consistency, and technical skills. Coaches focus on refining fundamental techniques while introducing more advanced trail features in a supportive environment.
Recommended for riders who:
- Are confident on most blue trails
- Have previous mountain biking experience
- Want to improve cornering, climbing, descending, and overall bike control
- Are interested in progressing toward more technical terrain
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Development Team 2
Advanced Skills & Race Development
Development Team 2 is for experienced riders who are confident on black diamond terrain and are looking to push their riding to the next level. Sessions feature more advanced technical coaching, higher-intensity trail rides, and preparation for enduro, cross-country, or downhill racing.
Recommended for riders who:
- Are confident riding black diamond trails
- Already have strong bike handling skills
- Want to ride faster and tackle more technical terrain
- Are interested in racing or maximizing their performance on the trails
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS:
Participants should arrive with above-average fitness for their age, or a demonstrated willingness to train consistently and work toward it over the course of the program.
Riders should be confident and in control on the Ridge Trail in the Don Valley and on most blue-level trails, including the ability to manage sustained climbs, descents, and variable trail features.
As the season progresses, athletes will be guided toward more technical black diamond terrain through structured skill development, progressive challenges, and focused coaching.
WHY WE'RE EXPANDING:
Over the three years, our team has seen incredible growth both on and off the bike. Riders have built strength and endurance, sharpened their technical skills, and gained confidence as they progressed onto more challenging terrain. Along the way, they’ve also formed lasting friendships and learned how to train and ride as part of a team.
The energy, focus, and passion our athletes bring to every session has been genuinely inspiring. That commitment has created a strong, supportive environment where riders are encouraged to push themselves, learn from one another, and enjoy the process of long-term development.
As our programming continues to grow, we’re excited to carry that momentum into 2027 and invite motivated youth riders to apply for our next season of development teams.
RACING FOCUS
Racing is not mandatory, but it is strongly encouraged as part of the development process. We’ll target a select number of fun, age-appropriate events, primarily taking place in Spring and Summer 2027.
Training is designed to prepare riders for a range of race disciplines, including cross-country and enduro-style formats, with an emphasis on skill, fitness, and confidence.
Even for athletes who choose not to compete, the program ensures every rider develops the fitness, technical ability, and mindset to be fully race-ready.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
We're here to help! Fill out the form and a team member will get back to you ASAP!
