Race day in junior cycling — whether it’s mountain biking (XC), cyclocross, or gravel racing — is usually hectic. Forgotten batteries, brake rubs, last-minute tire checks, rushed warmups, nervous athletes, and stressed parents sprinting around the venue.
But at Donovan Racing, a national-level junior program supporting mountain bike racing (XC), cyclocross racing, and the growing world of junior gravel racing, the experience looks completely different.
Walk past the tent at any MTB, CX, or gravel event, and you’ll notice it right away: calm, focus, and organization. The athletes are preparing with intention. The mechanics are dialed in. The support is calm and consistent. It feels less like a youth team and more like a junior version of a pro setup — and that’s exactly the point.
The Donovan tent is an athlete-only preparation environment designed to help riders settle in, follow their routine, and prepare without distractions. Inside, everything runs on systems: bike checks, warm-up flows, coach conversations, staging prep, and post-race support. It’s professional without being rigid, supportive without being overwhelming, and structured in a way that helps athletes feel fully ready whether they’re lining up for a mountain bike race, a cyclocross start, or a long junior gravel event.
The mechanics play a huge role in this atmosphere. They catch issues before riders even know they exist — adjusting brakes, tuning shifting, checking pressures, swapping batteries, tightening bolts, and handling unexpected problems with calm efficiency. Riders don’t start a race hoping their bike holds together; they start knowing it will.
And while parents aren’t inside the tent, they feel the impact deeply.
For many families, Donovan Racing is the first time they’ve been able to enjoy a junior MTB, CX, or gravel race without carrying the weight of every
detail. They’re not responsible for checking bikes, managing warm-ups, running bottles to the feed zone, or fixing last-minute mechanicals. They get to show up and simply support their athlete — watching, cheering, taking photos, and actually enjoying the experience.
The peace of mind is real. Parents know their child is surrounded by people who understand the sport — whether it’s cross-country mountain biking, cyclocross barriers, or the endurance demands of gravel — and who can ease nerves, keep riders on track, and create a positive, grounded environment before the race even starts. That clarity and consistency translate directly into better performances and happier athletes.
The Donovan tent isn’t just a place to sit — it’s a system built for success across all disciplines.
It helps athletes prepare at a high level, gives parents space to be present instead of stressed, and brings a level of professionalism that sets the team apart in junior mountain biking, cyclocross, and youth gravel racing.
A calm tent. A focused athlete. A confident parent. A team working together.
This is Donovan Racing — and this is why our riders thrive, no matter the discipline.
FAQ Section
Q: What makes the Donovan Racing tent different from other junior cycling programs?
A: Our tent operates like a junior pro setup, offering structured systems, elite mechanical support, and a calm, athlete-only preparation space designed to reduce stress and improve performance.
Q: Does Donovan Racing support mountain bike, cyclocross, and gravel athletes?
A: Yes. Our program is built for athletes racing XC mountain biking, junior cyclocross, and youth gravel events at regional and national levels.
Q: Do parents have access to the Donovan tent on race day?
A: The tent is an athlete-only space to protect preparation routines, but parents benefit from reduced stress, increased clarity, and the ability to fully enjoy the event.
Q: How does mechanical support help Donovan athletes on race day?
A: Our mechanics perform pre-race checks, handle repairs, tune bikes, manage batteries and tire pressures, and ensure every rider enters their event confident and fully prepared.