MuskOx Welcomes Pro Mountain Biker, Kyan Olshove, To The Herd

Kyan Olshove's 2024 Winning Race at Peak2Peak in Michigan

Kyan Olshove is a Professional Mountain Bike and Gravel Racer from Traverse City, Michigan. He’s currently living and training in Tucson, Arizona in preparation for his 2025 pro cycling season. Kyan embodies the grit and determination of the MuskOx Herd, and puts muscle into action, on and off the bike, whether he’s racing around the world, or mentoring youth cyclists in his hometown. MuskOx is a proud partner of Kyan Olshove’s 2025 racing season not only because he’s gearing up for an impressive year, but because he’s dedicated to always doing the right thing.

Kyan grew up riding on Northern Michigan’s trails surrounded by the strong network of mountain bike races, cycling teams, and organizations — it’s one of the strongest and organized communities we have in the country. In 2012 he joined Norte, a youth cycling development team, where he was surrounded by peers who lived to ride. Through Norte and weekly rides at local bike shops Kyan saw a future in cycling.

Kyan Olshove, Racing for Norte in Marquette with Father, Eric Olshove

In 2019 Kyan entered and won the juniors competition at Iceman Cometh Challenge, a premier 30 mile mountain bike race in the United States (Traverse City, MI). Immediately after winning the junior event, he began his quest to become a pro rider.

Since Iceman in 2019, Kyan has had the opportunity to compete globally. He joined the USA Development Cycling Team in 2023 securing 6th place at National Championships for under 23, and 3rd place at the Iceman Cometh Challenge. Going bigger in 2024, Kyan joined the Bear National Team, the top under 23 developmental cycling team in the US and finished 4th at the National Championships. 

We're excited to welcome Kyan Olshove as one of our newest Herdsmen. We had the chance to sit down with Kyan, and we're thrilled to share the conversation with you.

Kyan Olshove, 2024 World Cup Race, Photos by @rosalievermette_photo

HOW DID YOU GET INTO COMPETITIVE MOUNTAIN BIKING AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU AS A CYCLIST TO REALLY START TAKING THIS SERIOUSLY?

We have an amazing cycling community and a great local racing scene with so many fun and unique events. Having access to those and being super close to all of them made it kind of a no brainer to go and sign up.

I think my first race ever was Mud, Sweat and Beers. I grew up riding those trails with my dad and we decided it might be fun to do a race or two together. Mud, Sweat and Beers, and Conquer the Village were my first two races and they were an absolute blast. I got invited onto Norte after Conquer the Village and it’s safe to say I was hooked after that.

It's always fun to compete with other riders and track your progress through results. So from the competitive side, that's how I got into racing. After doing it enough, the accomplishments just kind of came with that.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT?

I would say winning the Iceman juniors was my first big accomplishment. That’s when I decided I wanted to take things a little further and explore some races outside of Michigan. After that, Covid hit, so I never raced outside of the local scene until 2021. That was the first time I went out and did a UCI race in Arkansas.

UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) is the governing body that oversees all of the sports within cycling. You can earn points in their ranking system which can eventually get you into World Cups.

I was very lucky to have my dad who's willing to explore this kind of stuff with me and take me to these events. We went down to Arkansas and it was just mindblowing how different it was from any race I'd ever done.

Kyan Olshove, 2021 Race in Fayetteville, Arkansas

ANY SHOCKING MOMENTS OR REALITY CHECKS AT THAT RACE, AND HOW’D YOU EXPAND ON THE EXPERIENCE?

I showed up expecting to race on two track. Growing up in TC, that’s pretty much what all the courses consisted of. It was purely fitness based. What I saw when I got to the venue absolutely blew my mind. The course was full of rocks and jumps and there were two drops in the race that were taller than me. People were hitting these on full suspension cross country bikes and I was pretty much the only person without a dropper post. So I had to race the whole event, two races, on a borrowed full suspension without a dropper. It was a crazy experience but I fell in love with the technical aspect and wanted more.

WHAT IS A DROPPER POST FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW?

A dropper post is a seat post that you can raise and lower while riding. It makes a big difference in how fast you can descend down technical trail. You can get your center of gravity a lot lower and get your butt in the position it needs to be, rather than having most of your weight forward over the bars, which is a recipe for disaster when flying down a rock garden or drop.

Kyan Olshove, Bear National Team (1st), 2023 3rd Place Finish at Iceman (2nd, 3rd)

YOU’VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO RACE IN EUROPE, AND IT WAS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM RACING IN THE US, MIND RUNNING US THROUGH THAT?

During the Arkansas trip I found out I had gotten accepted onto the USA Cycling Development Team. That was super exciting for me as it gave me the chance to race fully supported through the rest of the circuit in the United States as well as the opportunity to compete in a few races in Europe. It really opened my eyes to all the different pathways to becoming a professional athlete in mountain biking.

Europe is just a whole different animal because the cycling scene is so much bigger over there. I got to race in Austria which was a massive eye opener into how much more insane it is over there and how technical and tight the courses are. The sheer skill level of the riders over there is incredible. Even more impressive was how young some of the kids were that were riding this stuff. I’ve never seen anything like it in the United States. They're just taught at a young age to learn and adapt to the harsh nature of the courses in the mountains, cause there’s really nothing else to ride.

Austria was for sure my favorite. I also got to race in Switzerland and Belgium which were also amazing. The courses were all so unique it's hard to really compare.

AS A MICHIGAN DUDE, WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RACE COURSE AND CYCLING COMMUNITY NATION-WIDE?

In the United States, I'd say my favorite UCI Course would be Missoula. It feels like a really raw version of mountain biking. It's not too serious and it's not overly man-made I guess, you're just riding right on the face of the mountain on hand built trail and there's tight switchbacks and all sorts of fun stuff.

I would say my favorite course ever though would have to be Marquette Trails Fest because of how many amazing trails they pack into one course. The organizers do a great job and the atmosphere really embodies what I love about mountain bike racing.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST EXTREME ENCOUNTER ON A BIKE, OR THE GREATEST ADVERSITY YOU’VE OVERCOME?

In Iceman 2024, I was having a great race and I was in 2nd place. Right before the finish with about a quarter mile to go, my chain snapped. Through a combination of sprinting with my bike, scootering with one foot on the pedal and pumping through the pump track, I was able to still squeeze through the finish in 7th place.

It was crazy, definitely my craziest encounter that I’d had to overcome in a race. If we're talking about a list of my greatest fears, stuff that haunts me in the back of my mind, breaking a chain at Iceman would probably be near the top of that list. I know it’s a dumb thing to worry about, but Iceman means a lot to me. It's absolutely my favorite race because it's my home race and it’s in front of everyone I care about. I always try to be as prepared as possible for that. I had replaced my chain, I had a new cassette and I had a new chain ring. My derailer was the same, but I thoroughly checked over it, made sure everything was in proper working order.

It was a great race for me, it was definitely the best shape I've been in my life so far, and I'd worked super hard over the past eight weeks to be really specific in my training to be at my best on that day.

Kyan Olshove, 2024 Race at Iceman in Michigan

I felt like I executed the day pretty well. It was a very tactical finish. So I was in 2nd place coming up Icebreaker and right at the top, my drivetrain just started skipping around. I'm still not 100% sure what caused it. I think a leaf could have ended up in the cassette and made things start skipping around. My other theory is one of the pulley wheels might have just given out. That was one thing I didn't replace because it was spinning just fine. So the chain eventually came off the chain ring and I put it back on and started to pedal.

This was all within seconds and I really wanted to hold my place. After I threw the chain back on and started to put power down, my chain snapped in half. In that moment, I knew there was no hope in maintaining my position. I absolutely wanted to throw my bike and quit racing all together. I think I was in 6th place and I was like, "okay, there's still a little bit of cash on the line so I might as well just sprint for it.”

So, the last quarter mile … I was just running for my life. I wanted that $700. And I'd already lost at least $3,000, by “I lost,” it was $4,200 for 2nd place. I'm like, "might as well try and get the little bit that was left". I was mostly sprinting in my bike shoes, since the pump track was in the finish, I was able to get back on my bike and actually pump through a lot of that section, which I was very thankful for, and it wasn't all straight uphill either, which was nice. Through a mix of sprinting, kick scootering my bike and pumping through the pump track, I was able to still make it through the finish in 7th. Yeah, it was heartbreaking, but it was out of my control.

HOW DO YOU TRAIN YOUR BODY AND MIND, AND STAY FIT ON AND OFF THE BIKE?

Everyone loves to ride and to push themselves to be as fit as possible. I grew up just hammering all the time. Always just trying to push a little bit harder — once I got a coach, that really changed. If you're hammering every ride, you can't physically recover as well for the next day of training. So if you're hammering all the time, that fatigue just builds up and you're not going to be able to go as hard on intensity days. So getting a coach really showed me how important polarized training is.

I follow what they call the 80/20 rule. Basically, 80% of my training is spent in zone two heart rate — zone two out of a 6 zone model. It’s a crucial approach because your body can only handle so much stress from constantly hammering on the bike and sprinting up hills. Spending 80% of my time in zone two allows my body to recover while still working hard. You’re breathing heavily and your heart rate is high, but you’re not tearing up your leg muscles and building lactic acid. That recovery time is key because it lets me push even harder during the other 20% of my training — when I’m doing intervals, sprints, and hill repeats.

Off the bike, I would say is absolutely just as important. I learn more about that every single year. There's been so many lessons — my first base season in 2023, was a huge eye opener because I did so many miles and I actually ended up overtraining, but an even bigger factor was that I was under fueling. I didn't realize it because I was eating until I was full, but I still needed way more calories because I was burning more calories than I was taking in.

Kyan Prepping His Bike During Training in Tucson, AZ, Wearing a MuskOx Field Grand Flannel, and Rope & Patch Hat

Fueling is super important on and off the bike. I don't have a very strict diet, but I try to stay away from artificial color, flavor, and sweetener. Those are my three things that I absolutely do not eat, and then obviously trying to limit sugar and just get a good balance of everything. But that's as simple as it needs to be. It doesn't have to be a super complicated diet.

Then just like all the other aspects like getting the right sleep, mobility work. There's so many sides to it, but they're all just as important.

HOW DO YOU STAY SANE OUTSIDE OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL CAREER? YOU’RE STILL HUMAN.

It's super easy to get in that hole where I just want to train and not think about anything else. But I always notice I get so much more stressed when I'm not having fun and not enjoying myself on the bike and off the bike. You don’t think it will directly affect your training but it has a significant impact. I really like my summer job at the River Outfitters in Traverse City. It can be pretty physically taxing but it takes my mind off of cycling. I know it definitely affects my training a little bit, but mentally gives me a break and puts me in a good space. Getting to serve other people and help tourists experience Traverse City the way I love to is super fulfilling … In the winter I do Door Dash which isn’t quite as cool, but cycling doesn’t pay the bills yet and it’s something I can do anywhere I go.

I train 6 days a week and I give myself one or two days a week to kind of goof off a little bit on my bike and not be quite as strict about staying exactly in Zone 2. I think it’s really important to do and it keeps me motivated to ride my bike so much. So keeping it fun is what I tell everybody is the most important thing. If you're not having fun, you're not going to be able to push yourself as hard. Finding cool routes is great for ‘zone two days’, but being social and riding with friends really keeps my love of the sport alive. I've been showing up to the Monday Night Ride forever and I don’t plan to stop.

Northern Michigan's, Norte Youth Cycling Team

HOW DO YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE GROWTH OF THE SPORT AND INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF RIDERS?

I like to ride with kids who are inspired and love to experience the outdoors. I like to give them tips and tricks about riding and training that I wish I would have learned at that age. I just think it's important to really keep the kids stoked about riding bikes and because it’s so easy to get distracted by things that don’t matter in this day and age. There's a lot of iPad Kids in the world and it’s sad to see them looking at a screen instead of doing cool stuff.

I think venturing into the outdoors and getting good at a sport helps you to become a better version of yourself. I think mountain biking helps a lot with that and it's a good outlet for any emotions and the stress that builds up over the course of the day. Just getting home from school and hopping on my mountain bike when I was that age was just the best part of my day. Especially when it was with my friends and we would just go out and mess around, hit jumps and play in the dirt, I think it's important.

LET’S HEAR ABOUT 2025 AND WHY YOU’RE EXCITED TO PARTNER WITH MUSKOX FLANNELS?

This year I’m excited to try something new and compete for a spot in the LifeTime Grand Prix. I’m so stoked to have MuskOx on board as a sponsor of first year as a privateer.

I’ve always been a flannel guy. I really like the weight of these, I've had flannels before that feel too light and I don't feel like a flannel should feel super light. I want to be able to put this thing on and go out and go out for a hike or work on my bike and not have to worry about it getting shredded. It feels robust. It doesn't feel like it's just going to tear when it gets scratched by a branch or something. I want clothing that's quality and can hold up and obviously buying a MuskOx Flannel is supporting a really good cause too. So that's another benefit of why I think Muskox Flannels stands above the rest.

MANY THANKS AND DEEP APPRECIATION TO KYAN OLSHOVE FOR JOINING FORCES WITH THE MUSKOX HERD

We’re incredibly proud to have Kyan Olshove as a part of the MuskOx Herd. His relentless drive, love for the outdoors, and commitment to giving back embody everything we stand for. Whether he’s racing around the world, mentoring the next generation of riders, or pushing his own limits on and off the bike, Kyan inspires us all to live boldly and stay true to our passions. Thank you, Kyan, for showing us what it means to be part of the MuskOx Herd and for leading the charge with grit and heart. We’re excited to ride alongside you in your journey and beyond.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN WITNESS HIS 2025 RACING SEASON:

• Mid South Gravel, March, Oklahoma 
• Sea Otter Gravel Classic, April, California
• Mud Sweat & Beers, May, Michigan
• Unbound Gravel 200, June, Kansas
• Marquette Trails Fest, June, Michigan
• Leadville 100 Altitude, August, Colorado
• Chequamegon, September, Wisconsin
• Little Sugar, October, Arkansas
• Big Sugar / P2P, October, Arkansas
• Iceman Cometh Challenge, November, Michigan