Trek is looking for tomorrow’s talent and relies on advanced analytical tools

Talent development has been part of Trek’s sponsorship program for several seasons. In the coming years, the brand’s commitment will go even further with a unique global talent scouting program.

Source: press release

At the end of 2022, Trek launched the Trek Future Racing U23 team. Focusing on cross-country mountain biking, the team was built to serve as an official Trek Factory Racing team. Alongside this development, Trek also launched a talent scouting program. The goal of this program is to responsibly help young talents succeed in their careers.

“We want to help young cyclists and clubs have even more fun with the sport by giving them access to our know-how and, above all, help them adjust training loads while taking into account both their health and their long-term career development,” says Tim Vanderjeugd, Sports Marketing Director at Trek.

To reach as many young cyclists as possible, Trek relies on its global network of stores. Talent scouting events are regularly organized in selected stores. Already in the fall of 2022, the first such camp took place at the Trek Bicycle Store Fürth, Germany, with over 40 participants, selected from several hundred applicants.

To carry out talent scouting on such a scale, Trek relies on cutting-edge analysis tools with the help of Trainalyzed and Moxy.

The Moxy sensor offers the unique opportunity to perform performance diagnostics. It measures oxygen saturation in the muscle via a sensor, while the performance level and potential of the tested person are determined via a protocol. The necessary analysis tools were developed by Trainalyzed. The company has been relying on modern near-infrared spectroscopy since 2017, thus acquiring extensive experience in the process.

Trek Talent Scouting application process:

1) Online application – submission of basic data

2) Invitation to a test day at a regional Trek store (performance diagnostics with Trainalyzed/Moxy, evaluation and training recommendation – duration per athlete: approx. 3h)

3) Evaluation of results and admission to the Trek Talent community

All talents who receive an invitation to a test day will automatically join the Trek Talent community and benefit from the services and special offers provided to the community by the program partners.

The focus on performance data is crucial, but it is not the only decisive factor. The team behind the Trek talent scouting program also tries to study the potential for personal development, social maturity, values, and the environment of each talent.

“Experience shows that athletes often train at too high intensities and aim for major success too quickly at a young age. Thanks to our project and the broad orientation, we have the opportunity to act here in the interest of the athletes’ health and relieve pressure,” says Bernd Reutemann, team manager of Trek Future Racing.

For 2023, Trek plans sessions in Denmark, the Netherlands, the UK, Spain, Italy, and the USA, among others – with the goal of being able to support more than 1000 young cyclists by the end of the year.