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This story appeared for the first time in the 2025 cycling guide, an annual special section aimed at telling the stories of companies, people and local efforts that made the corridor a cycling destination.
Forget basketball, football or football – there is another sport in eastern Iowa, popularity with young people: cyclocross bike.
Known as CX or Cross, cyclocross is a discipline of non -Olympic bicycle racing combining aspects of road cycling, mountain biking and steplechase. CX races are known for their rapid pace, their unique equipment and their imaginative courses.
Ben Daufeldt is president of the Junior Corridor Devo cycling team. He grew up watching his father participate in Ragbrai and started driving in adolescence.
“We are a junior cycling team for children aged 8 to 18 who focus on cyclocross, but many of our runners participate in other cycling disciplines. We serve the community of the entire area of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Corridor, “he said.
With a mission “to inspire a pleasure to cycle among children aged 8 to 18 through the sport of cyclocross cycling by emphasizing camaraderie, pleasure, attitude, effort and a healthy lifestyle ”, the club focuses on the construction of a coherent team where children and their families support each other – regardless of their level of competence.
How did Daufeldt get involved?
“”My son and I watched Jingle Cross and a few other local races before he was old enough to run. When he became the age of the race, we contacted the Devo corridor and jumped in practices and races. He was immediately hung and I found that the Devo corridor family was so pleasant, “he said.
“Devo” in the name of the team means development, and that’s exactly how the team is close to working with Young Riders. All capacities are welcome and, unlike certain payment travel sports programs, inexperience or lack of funds to cover equipment is not a disqualifier.
“We are open to all children who wish to join; However, we are really focused on the family, so the participation of parents or tutors is important, “said Daufeldt. “We do not have quite the resources to extend to the size of certain other teams against which we are running, but our parents and coaches do an excellent job so that things work for our children who extend on different skills levels. “
Thirty children currently make up the Devo corridor team. One of them is Willa Showalter. The 11 -year -old adopts the experience.
Otis Maclin (left) and End Daufeldt take a break during warm -up. (Submitted photo)
“I like to spend time at the Devo corridor tent and the support that I get coaches and teammates. I feel accomplished when I finish a race knowing that I pushed myself as hard as possible, “she said.
Bike is a prosecution that these young people can benefit for years in terms of active and committed stay, said Daufeldt.
“We believe that bicycle is not only an excellent exercise, but also a hobby and skills that children can take with them as young adults and years beyond. The team gives them the opportunity to compete with their friends and to be part of the local cycling community, “he said.
The race all year round in Iowa’s bad weather is often not a means of deterrence for this team.
“I am excited for the start of each CX season, even if it is the most difficult sport in which I participate. I like to run against other runners from the outside, especially during big races like Trek Cup .
In fact, climatic conditions are part of the appeal.
USA Cycling describes it as a cross between road cycling, mountain biking and steepleple. The cyclists dismantle their bikes to run the stairs and the steep slopes or jump obstacles on a closed circuit route in a park or an open space with competitors that run several towers. In general, from September to December, CX races are often organized in unfavorable weather conditions.
“Iowa has a high time cyclocross. It is quite common to start the season in hot and dry conditions, then to have bad snow or freezing by the end of the season, “said Daufeldt. “So you can see different skills sets go up to the top over the season.”
His team organizes training in Coralville and Hiawatha, and the first has a specific park for cyclocross to use the team.
End Daufeldt fights for a position at the CX national championships in Louisville, Kentucky. (Submitted photo)
Children can drive specific CX bikes, but some use mountain bikes. Racing mainly in Iowa, the team also participates in larger races in the Midwest and in the national championships last December in Louisville, Kentucky.
“I love watching our children show courage in learning sport, to improve day by day and to show their grain and their talent on the racetrack,” said Daufeldt. “Our children and families are looking forward to gathering practices and shopping, and I love to see our team mix with the cycling and race community.”
One of his runners, Kelsey Voss, appreciates camaraderie.
“One of the reasons why I like Devo corridor is because there are so many people with whom you can spend time or talk, and they are all so nice. Another thing I like is that you can fall or feel at the bottom, but whatever happens, they are there to help you, “she said.
How can a young person join?
“If there are children who love driving and who want to get into the race, then the cyclocross and the Devo corridor are a great way to get involved,” said Daufeldt.
They generally start practices in August and organize an information session for children and parents who are interested.
“We have not billed team contributions in the past, but we ask that our children fulfill information on their objectives and their commitments to the team; For example, being courteous towards others, treating teammates and coaches with respect, representing themselves and the team positively, among others, “said Daufeldt.
Send an email to the team to corridordevo@gmail.com or follow them Facebook And Instagram.