My name is Isaac Niles. I am a U23 cyclist and a full time student at the University of Calgary. I have been selected to attend the Parcours Institute in Febuary. 

The Parcours Institute (http://parcoursinstitute.org/) was developed in conjunction with 2x olympian Zach Bell and partners to create a certification for riders that are trying to become a professional cyclist. The program develops riders into becoming valuable team members on and off the bike. The program consists of a vigorous and regimental training proportion, media training, nutritution seminars, before and after race preparation, as well as mental preparation programs to help prepare athetes for what they will be faced with in the professional cycling world. 

I am raising funds to help cover my travel costs and tutition costs of the program. Cycling is a very expensive sport and also a very hard sport to move up in because of the immense talent that surrounds you. When any opportunity presents itself, especially one like admission to the Parcours Institute, it must be acted upon. For me, this is a leap forward in my cycling career to become a better racer, and another step forward to become a professional cyclist. 

I started BMX racing when I was five, since then I have been hooked on cycling. From BMX I made the transiton into Cross country Mountain bike racing when I was about 13. From there I've been racing mountain bikes for 6 years now, winning provincial championshps and attending Mountain Bike Nationals 3 times. Three years ago I did my first Cyclocross Nationals and I qualified for Cyclocross worlds in Kentucky with the Canadian National team. Since then I've been racing Cyclocross during the off season for fun. In 2015 at the Canadian Cyclocorss championships, I placed 3rd, once again qualifying for Worlds at the Zolder Circuit in Belgium. Currently I am with the National team in Europe training and preparing for World championships. I made the transition to road cycling about three years ago, making it my primay focus. Since the transition I've been working hard at developing my fitness as well as my race preparation to give myself the best chance at success. 

Throughout the years my parents have always supported me in my endevors as long as I truly wanted to do it. Without them I wouldnt be where I am in the sport today! Cycling has been a passion of mine, as the years have passed I've supplemented costs as best as I could, however, as the costs of training, equipment, and travel rises outside support is needed. 

My local club Bicisport (Calgary, AB) has also been a huge supporter of mine over the years. They have always been at races, financially helped me, hosted club rides and get togethers, hosted races, generally created a team atmosphere in a club setting that is hugely vital in the racing realm. Big thanks to them because without their support I wouldnt have taken cycling as far as I have.

Huge thanks to all the supporters, past, present, and future in helping me achieve my goals of becomin a Professional cyclist, and being with me every step of the way!