Expanded endurance training in Virginia with Craig ‘Crowie’ Alexander and First Bourn

First Bourn, which specialises in destination training properties, has added two additional properties to its portfolio in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia, in partnership with former IRONMAN World Champion Craig ‘Crowie’ Alexander.
 

With 25+ camps hosted since the pandemic at its first property in North Carolina, outside Asheville, First Bourn has expanded into Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The first of the two new properties, a 30-acre Australian-themed destination located near Fancy Gap, Virginia, is part of First Bourn’s internationally themed destinations and originally opened in 2023.
 

The second property, an 86-acre working farm near Fishers Peak, on the border of North Carolina and Virginia, is Italy-themed. While still under construction, this property will be operational for organic-based farming and various training activities for the 2025 season.
 

“We are developing a portfolio of forgotten, large acreage farms and old homesteads in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Eastern United States — and bringing them back to life with purpose,” said First Bourn founder Michael Foschetti.
 

First Bourn notes that its expansion signals a new growth phase for the company after its initial launch of its prototype property in North Carolina in 2019.
 

‘With a vision to create an integrated network of training properties, or stages, across the Blue Ridge Mountains for US-based endurance sports training, this next phase expands its footprint and takes another important step in executing its business plan. ‘For triathletes, the broader endurance sports market, and the even larger, health and wellness market, First Bourn provides a strong value proposition to support well-planned training events and ideal locations for athletes and teams at all experience levels.’

“I am honoured to be a part of such a talented and committed team with a solid vision and proven execution,” said Craig Alexander, co-founder and co-chair of First Bourn’s Advisory Board. “In addition to the Blue Ridge Mountains offering some of the best riding I have ever done, First Bourn is building a platform for meaningful health and wellness experiences far beyond just endurance sports training.”
 

Crowie’s next camp is a seven day / six night experience from April 27-May 3, 2025, and will be open to athletes of all abilities. In addition, more than 30 other training events are scheduled in 2025. These include:
 

• TFTC Series (train for the course): Planned camps that support athletes training for specific hilly or rolling bike and run courses.
• Female Series: Female-only bike camps dedicated to skill and strength training to build confidence and grow women’s cycling.
• Run Series: Ultra run camps for experienced runners or ‘burnt-out triathletes’ looking for a new challenge.
• Partner Series: Coach-led experiences as a part of a growing partner program; and
• Field Day Series: Multiday retreats for non-endurance athletes supporting small corporate teams with health and wellness focused programming.

www.firstbourn.com