The Path to Junior Cycling Success: Coaching for the Next Generation
What began as a childhood hobby soon became a lifelong pursuit that would shape my career and personal growth. Over the past 12 years, I’ve raced in road cycling, cyclocross, and mountain biking, competing in dozens of states, several countries, and at multiple national championships. Through this journey, I’ve learned how to create a path to junior cycling success which includes a vital lesson that I now teach all of my athletes: the power of consistency.
As a young cyclist, it’s easy to get distracted by comparing yourself to the superstars who seem to be on another level. But the truth is, success in cycling doesn’t have a set formula. There is no one-size-fits-all path. However, one key factor that I’ve seen in all successful cyclists is consistency. Whether it’s training, racing, or mental focus, staying consistent is what separates the good from the great.
Having been through it all myself, I’ve seen plenty of rising stars come and go due to burnout, overtraining, or simply losing their passion. Some of these athletes are friends with all the talent in the world who simply burned out or burned up. That’s why I’ve created a coaching program focused on fostering long-term success by helping junior cyclists stay engaged, have fun, and develop at a sustainable pace.
Avoiding Junior Burnout in Cycling
One of the most important things I learned about Junior Cycling Success is that the key to staying motivated is to have fun. Yes, structure is important, but the heart of cycling is simply riding your bike. Ride hard when you feel strong, and take it easy when your body needs a break. I believe that a coach’s role is to help young athletes enjoy the sport while also helping them gradually build strength and skill over time.
In my coaching program, I emphasize playful competition, team practices, and skills development that helps athletes build fitness without the risk of burnout. Whether it’s mock racing, team rides, or exercises designed to challenge and engage, my approach ensures that training stays fresh, fun, and rewarding. When athletes are motivated by enjoyment, the structured training becomes something they look forward to, rather than something that feels like a chore.
My Journey: From Junior Cyclist to Professional Racer
When I first started racing, I was following in my dad’s footsteps, attending local events to fuel my competitive drive. My cycling journey began in cyclocross—a sport with a rich scene in Colorado, where I competed regularly in local events. Over time, I joined the Alpha Junior Team, where I competed in national championships, often getting my butt kicked but building resilience and friendships that would last a lifetime.
I eventually transitioned to road cycling, joining the Prestige Devo junior development team led by my first true coach, Adam Zimmerman. Adam instilled discipline and taught me how to approach training and racing in a balanced, enjoyable way. I raced across the U.S. at events like the Valley of the Sun, San Dimas Stage Race, and the National Championships, learning from every race.
After Prestige, I joined Rob Donovan’s team, where I further honed my skills and gained valuable insights into training, nutrition, and race strategies. These experiences set the foundation for my professional career and ultimately led to my first big breakthrough when I joined the Above and Beyond Cancer Cycling Team and raced in the UCI Tour of the Gila.
Now, I’m racing on a UCI Continental team, Team Skyline, traveling the world and learning more every day. These experiences have shaped me into the cyclist and coach I am today, and I’m excited to share my knowledge with the next generation of cyclists.
Thanks for reading.
About the Author:
Ethan has been racing since the age of 10 across multiple disciplines and receiving a double major in Accounting and Finance at the University of Colorado Boulder. His technique comes from multiple years of experience and love for the sport. He currently travels the world racing for the UCI Continental team, Team Skyline where he continues his development as a coach and a rider. Learn more about Ethan and Source Endurance here.