Embracing “The Champion Teammate” for the 2025 PICL Season
A Common Thread
We’ve adopted a powerful theme in the 2025 season that extends beyond the bikes, the races, and the trails: “The Champion Teammate” - inspired by the book The Champion Teammate, co-authored by Jerry Lynch and John O’Sullivan. The book explores how true champions aren’t just individuals who excel in their own right—they are teammates who elevate those around them. This is the essence of what we want to emphasize for our coaches, athletes, and communities in the upcoming season.
John O’Sullivan’s Insights: A Keynote at the Coach Retreat
To bring this theme to life, we were thrilled to have John O’Sullivan himself speak at the annual PICL Coach Retreat in Danville. A leading expert in coaching and sports psychology, John shared invaluable insights on how coaches can cultivate this "Champion Teammate" mentality within their teams.
Delving Deeper: Upcoming PICL Presents… Episode with John O’Sullivan
To continue this journey, we are excited to announce that John O’Sullivan will be joining us on an upcoming episode of PICL Presents…, our podcast-style presentation aimed at connecting with the PICL community and sharing important insights. During this episode, John will dive deeper into the principles of The Champion Teammate, exploring how these ideas can be practically applied in coaching, team-building, and leadership within the cycling community.
John will share his expertise on how coaches can foster a sense of belonging and team cohesion among student athletes, especially in a sport like mountain biking where individual performance often takes the spotlight. He’ll discuss strategies to encourage athletes to support each other, emphasize the collective effort in training and racing, and provide the tools coaches need to help their athletes embrace the role of a champion teammate both on and off the bike.
We’re looking forward to the episode as a valuable resource not only for our coaches but for athletes, parents, and anyone involved in building the next generation of mountain bikers. As we prepare for the 2025 season, this emphasis on teamwork and leadership will be a key part of how we develop not only better cyclists but better individuals who know the value of collaboration, humility, and lifting each other up.
Why This Matters for PICL’s Growth
By embracing the Champion Teammate theme, we’re creating a culture that goes beyond competition—it’s about shaping well-rounded individuals who thrive in a team environment and learn the value of service to others. Whether it’s helping a teammate at practice, supporting a peer during a race, or giving back to the community through trail stewardship, this theme underscores the importance of fostering a sense of community and connection, which is central to our mission at PICL.
As more teams form across Pennsylvania and more kids experience the power of teamwork through PICL, the Champion Teammate mentality will continue to be a guiding principle in every race, every event, and every moment in between. It's not just about who crosses the finish line first—it's about who we become together along the way.