The NJCX Project, a USA Cycling Center of Excellence, Adds Road Program for 2025

September 26, 2024

Leading Junior Cycling Non-profit Announces Broader Focus on Youth Development

/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Founded in 2017, the NJCX Project aimed to develop more student-athlete cyclists through cyclocross development. In 2023, after several years of cyclocross success in the Mid-Atlantic Conference and at the USCX National Series, the team expanded into road racing through a major partnership with Verge Sport’s American office.

After 2 seasons of fun and results on the road, Verge Sport has stepped down as presenting sponsor and NJCX will assume complete oversight for all programming, funding, and operations. This next growth phase will introduce additional programming and opportunities for U19 boys and girls across the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. “We are thrilled to apply the learnings that make our cyclocross project thrive,” says NJCX Founder Eric Vollmuth.

Team Expansion and Structure for 2025

In addition to our ongoing commitment to cyclocross racing and development, The NJCX Road Project will launch with two regional squads, “Mid-Atlantic” and “New England.” Each squad will have a development track for new and younger racers as well as a select group for established 15-18 boys and girls.

“All racers will receive enhanced support, including access to structured group training, team-building activities, race direction, and support at elite competitions,” says NJCX board member Jed Kornbluh.

Training, Racing, and Schedule

The NJCX Road Project will foster a collaborative and competitive environment, with regional squads training together at least twice per month. Additionally, the entire team will participate in monthly events, including education sessions, races, and social gatherings to build camaraderie. While the team will not directly provide coaching, each rider will be required to work with a professional coach. The NJCX Project will recommend a curated list of coaches to ensure consistent, high-quality training.

The race schedule includes local, national, and international events, with a focus on maintaining a balance between competitive racing and personal development. Key dates for the 2025 season include:

• November 1: Application for Road Project due (see link below)
• Nov 30: Roster announced
• Dec 15: Onboarding complete
• Jan/Mar: Winter training block including training races (For example, Frozen Four Race Series, CT & Branchbrook Spring Series, NJ)
• Apr/June: Team camp(s) and Race Block #1, including 17/18 National Championships
• July/Sept: Race Block #2, including Junior National Championships

Nonprofit Status and Charitable Mission

The NJCX Project operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, allowing the team to receive charitable donations, corporate contributions and matching funds, donor-advised funds, and other charitable donation methods. This financial model helps reduce the cost burden on families and ensures that talented riders can focus on competition and development without financial barriers.

By integrating a charitable mission centered on youth health and wellness, the NJCX Project aims to attract donors interested in supporting the physical and mental development of junior athletes. Through this expansion, the program further advances its commitment to helping young cyclists excel both on and off the bike.

For more information on the NJCX Project, sponsorship inquiries, or how to get involved, please contact the organization via the information provided. To apply for team membership, click here.

Team Directors:
Eric Vollmuth, Jed Kornbluh

Contact:
Email: njcxproject.newengland@gmail.com
Instagram: @njcxproject
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NJxCX