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This story first appeared in the 2025 Cycling Guide, an annual special section aimed at telling the stories of the businesses, people and local efforts that have made The Corridor a cycling destination.
Forget basketball, football, or soccer — there’s another sport in Eastern Iowa gaining popularity with young people: cyclocross biking.
Known as CX or cross, cyclocross is a non-Olympic bicycle racing discipline combining aspects of road cycling, mountain biking and steeplechase. CX races are known for their fast pace, unique equipment and imaginative courses.
Ben Daufeldt is president of Corridor Devo Junior Cycling Team. He grew up watching his dad compete in RAGBRAI and started riding in his teens.
“We are a junior cycling team for kids ages 8-18 that focuses on cyclocross, however many of our racers participate in other cycling disciplines. We serve the community of the entire Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Corridor area,” he said.
With a mission “to inspire an enjoyment of cycling amongst kids between the ages of 8-18 through the sport of cyclocross biking with an emphasis on camaraderie, fun, attitude, effort and a healthy lifestyle,” the club focuses on building a cohesive team where the kids and their families support each other — no matter their skill level.
How did Daufeldt get involved?
“My son and I watched Jingle Cross and some other local races before he was old enough to race. When he became race-age, we contacted Corridor Devo and jumped into practices and races. He was hooked right away, and I found the family of Corridor Devo to be so enjoyable,” he said.
“Devo” in the team name stands for development, and that is exactly how the team approaches working with young riders. All abilities are welcome and, unlike some pay-to-play travel sports programs, inexperience or lack of funds to cover equipment is not a disqualifier.
“We are open to any kids that would like to join; however, we are really family driven, so participation from parents or guardians is important,” Daufeldt said. “We don’t quite have the resources to expand to the size of some other teams that we race against, but our parents and coaches do a great job of making things work for our kids that span different skill levels.”
Some 30 kids currently make up Corridor Devo’s team. One of them is Willa Showalter. The 11-year-old is embracing the experience.
“I like hanging out at the Corridor Devo tent and the support I get from the coaches and teammates. I feel accomplished when I finish a race knowing I pushed myself as hard as I could,” she said.
Cycling is a pursuit that these young people can benefit from for years in terms of staying active and engaged, Daufeldt said.
“We think cycling is not only great exercise, but also a hobby and skill that kids can carry with them as young adults and years beyond. The team gives them the opportunity to compete along with their friends and become a part of the local cycling community,” he said.
Racing year-round in Iowa’s often inclement weather is not a deterrent for this team.
“I get excited for the start of each CX season, even though it’s the hardest sport I compete in. I like to race against other racers from out of state, especially at big races like Trek Cup. We race in all weather conditions so sometimes it’s very cold or muddy,” Showalter said.
In fact, climate conditions are part of the allure.
USA Cycling describes it as a cross between road cycling, mountain biking and steeplechase. Cyclists dismount their bikes to run up stairs and steep embankments or jump obstacles on a closed-circuit course in a park or open space with competitors racing multiple laps. Generally taking place from September to December, CX races are often held in adverse weather conditions.
“Iowa has some great cyclocross weather. It is pretty common to start the season in warm and dry conditions and then have snow or freezing weather by the end of the season,” Daufeldt said. “So, you get to see different skill sets rise to the top as the season goes.”
His team holds practices in Coralville and Hiawatha, and the former has a cyclocross specific park for the team to utilize.
Kids can ride CX specific bikes, but some use mountain bikes. Racing primarily in Iowa, the team also competes in larger races in the Midwest and the National Championships this past December in Louisville, Kentucky.
“I love watching our kids display so much courage in learning the sport, improving from day to day, and showing their grit and talent on the racecourse,” Daufeldt said. “Our kids and families look forward to gathering for practices and races, and I love seeing our team mixing with the cycling and racing community.”
One of his riders, Kelsey Voss, appreciates the camaraderie.
“One reason I like Corridor Devo is because there are so many people you can hang out with or talk with, and they are all so kind. Another thing I like about it is you may fall or feel down, but no matter what, they are there to help you,” she said.
How can a young person join?
“If there are kids that have a love of riding and want to get into racing, then cyclocross and Corridor Devo are a great way to get involved,” Daufeldt said.
They typically start practices in August and hold an informational session for kids and parents that are interested.
“We haven’t charged team dues in the past, but we do ask that our kids fill out some information about their goals and commitments to the team; for example, being courteous to others, treating teammates and coaches with respect, representing themselves and the team in a positive way, among others,” Daufeldt said.
Email the team at corridordevo@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.