2026 Train to Race - registration is open
Moving into it's fifth year this program is built for young athletes who wish to improve their racing performance through a dedicated training program overseen by a certified cycling coach. The program will begin February 11th 2026 with a weekly virtual training session and monthly educational sessions on various topics. Athletes will be provided with a basic training plan to begin, with custom individualized plans prescribed to highly engaged and motivated athletes at the discretion of the lead coach. Athletes will be provided with an individual improvement plan, individual goal setting for each race, video debriefs of training and race sessions.
Once the snow thaws and trails open we will be training 2 to 3 times per week throughout the racing season. This includes Monday evening skills sessions which will provide a rock solid foundation of advanced skills readying athletes for the toughest courses. Athletes will be formally assessed using repeatable and objective methods.
Tuesday evenings will be spent building the aerobic engines of the athletes with an endurance training session. These sessions may include gravel and MTB rides.
Wednesday evening will see the athletes on mountain bikes for a 60 minute race skills and tactics specific sessions. These sessions will go beyond just skills and help develop race systems such as warmups, race nutrition, pacing, trail speed, and tactics. Followed by the races at 7 pm where athletes will also work towards specific goal times across several courses.
This program also includes race support at all the Ontario Cup MTB races in 2026 and other local events. This support includes coached pre-rides of the race courses, access to club pit space, race day warmups and trailside support including individual goal setting, and video feedback.
Athletes are encouraged to sign up for the program as soon as their winter/school sports wind down. Athletes can enter the program later than the official start date. Please contact our lead coach to discuss the best timeline to enter the program.
Once the snow thaws and trails open we will be training 2 to 3 times per week throughout the racing season. This includes Monday evening skills sessions which will provide a rock solid foundation of advanced skills readying athletes for the toughest courses. Athletes will be formally assessed using repeatable and objective methods.
Tuesday evenings will be spent building the aerobic engines of the athletes with an endurance training session. These sessions may include gravel and MTB rides.
Wednesday evening will see the athletes on mountain bikes for a 60 minute race skills and tactics specific sessions. These sessions will go beyond just skills and help develop race systems such as warmups, race nutrition, pacing, trail speed, and tactics. Followed by the races at 7 pm where athletes will also work towards specific goal times across several courses.
This program also includes race support at all the Ontario Cup MTB races in 2026 and other local events. This support includes coached pre-rides of the race courses, access to club pit space, race day warmups and trailside support including individual goal setting, and video feedback.
Athletes are encouraged to sign up for the program as soon as their winter/school sports wind down. Athletes can enter the program later than the official start date. Please contact our lead coach to discuss the best timeline to enter the program.
Program fee
$2200 + Ontario Cycling Membership Or UCI License
$2200 + Ontario Cycling Membership Or UCI License
- Installment plans available, contact for more info
- UCI license will be required if racing expert divisions or out of province.
- Ontario Cycling membership insures the participants, club, coaches and is required
- Weekly series race entry extra paid directly to Hardwood Ski and Bike Approx. $250
- MTB seasons pass for Hardwood also required - athletes will receive discount code
- Athletes in this program will be competing in U17/19/U23 categories
- Cyclocross program may be added if interest allows for added fee
pRE sEASON sCHEDULE
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WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
Feb 11th weekly until road/trails clear 5:30pm TO 7:00pm |
Virtual on bike group training session - Zoom/Discord
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ONGOING
January - April |
Virtual athlete education webinars on training systems, nutrition, goal setting, team building.
** In-person Strength Training also available Tuesday evenings in Orillia for added fee. |
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ONGOING
February - August |
Group and Individualized training delivered via TrainingPeaks and monitored by certified professional coach.
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EARLY SEASON SCHEDULE
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WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
condition dependent 6:00pm TO DUSK |
GRAVEL/MTB RIDES - In person coach-led training sessions. Weather/Trail conditions will influence locations/type of session.
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Varies |
As weather and conditions allow the head coach may add sessions throughout March and April to best prepare the athletes for a rapid start to the race season
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IN SEASON SCHEDULE
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MONDAYS
MAY 4th - AUGUST 31st 6:30pm TO 7:45pm |
HARDWOOD SKI AND BIKE - SKILLS SESSION
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TUESDAYS - MTB ENDURANCE
APRIL 8th TO SEPT 8th 6:00pm TO DUSK These rides will approach 3 hours in length |
ORO-MEDONTE Location varies between locations
Required: Tubes/tools/food |
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WEDNESDAYS
April 29th - Sept 9th 5:45pm to 6:45pm Race Skills Coaching 7:00pm to 8:00pm Race |
Hardwood Ski and Bike 402 Old Barrie Road W, Oro-Medonte, ON LOL 2E0 |
2026 MTB Race schedule
Date |
Venue |
- |
More races may be added |
April 11 |
Homage to Ice Mansfield (Early season race) |
APRIL 25 |
Hardwood Singletrack Challenge (Early Season Race) |
May 16/17 |
O-Cup #1 - Duntroon |
June 13/14 |
O-Cup #2 Boler MTN London |
June 20/21 |
O-Cup #3 - Hardwood Ski and bike |
Sept 5/6 |
O-Cup #4 - Hiawatha Highlands- Sault St Marie |
Sept 11-13 |
Provincial Championships Uxbridge |
