For Devon Byers, this year’s Worlds and Nationals represent something he didn’t have last season.
A clean shot.
After racing through injury at last year’s championships, Devon arrives at this season’s start line healthy, prepared, and eager to see what a full training cycle can deliver.
Based in Ironwood, Michigan, Devon trains in a place where winter isn’t something you work around — it’s something you embrace.
“After a snowfall, I’ll literally put my snowshoes on my back porch and run straight to the trails,” he says.
Built for Winter Racing
A former collegiate cross-country and track athlete, Devon trains with structure and consistency. His build toward Worlds and Nationals has included five to ten hours of cardio per week, two to four hours of strength training, year-round running, and winter cross-country skiing and snowshoe sessions.
Strength training, he says, is non-negotiable.
“It helps with injury prevention and longevity. I stay healthier when I lift.”
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Learning From Last Season
Devon’s first experiences at Nationals and Worlds offered valuable perspective — especially racing without the fitness he wanted.
“My training really suffered last time,” he says. “This year I’m excited to see what I can do with better fitness.”
Rather than making bold predictions, Devon is focused on execution and letting the work show up on race day.
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Ready for Worlds and Nationals
Devon keeps his race setup simple and proven. He races primarily in TSL snowshoes, keeps Atlas snowshoes as a backup for more aggressive conditions, and relies on La Sportiva winter running shoes with an integrated gaiter for warmth and stability. His cold-weather apparel comes from Scandinavian brands like Craft and Salomon.
“The La Sportiva winter shoe was a game changer,” he says. “Warm, sealed, and stable.”
Devon doesn’t make guarantees. He trusts preparation.
“I’m really looking forward to the race,” he says. “I just want to see what this fitness brings.”
With health, winter-hardened training, and a disciplined mindset, Devon heads into Worlds and Nationals ready to test himself — and take the next step forward.
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