The weather is slowly turning from winter to spring (we’re still getting snow here in Colorado), meaning group rides, training races, and events of all types are blooming. At the national level, events like the inaugural National Cycling League criterium in Miami and US Cup Mountain Bike races in Fayetteville were exciting ways to kick off the early season.
On top of racing, USA Cycling also has several programs taking shape. First, the 2023 Centers of Excellence Application process is open through Sunday, May 7th. The Centers of Excellence Program recognizes clubs and teams making a difference in developing the next generation of bike racers. Click the link below to learn more about the Centers of Excellence.
Secondly, the Search for Speed program has launched in Los Angeles County to identify untapped track cycling potential. To date, 1,393 tests have been given, and of those, 80 participants have been invited to the next round of testing. Learn more about the Search for Speed here.
If you have suggestions for resources, poll topics, or feature stories, please send them to our Member Services team at membership@usacycling.org.
Resource
The Makings of a Successful Club
What building blocks do the best of the best cycling clubs have for the rest of the community to strive towards? From strong leadership and vision to teamwork making the dream work, here are the seven components that make a great club.
Centers of Excellence
USA Cycling has supported grassroots clubs and teams for almost 20 years through the Centers of Excellence Grant Program. We want to help you build the future of American bike racing by supporting your cycling program's efforts to develop Junior and U23 (under-23) athletes. If your club has big plans for the next generation of bike racers, consider applying for the Centers of Excellence Grant.
Applications are due no later than 11:59 pm MT on May 7, 2023. To be considered for a grant, you must meet the following criteria:
Operate a USA Cycling club, team, or program with the specific purpose of developing athletes at the Junior or U23 level and have a successful operational history of at least two years
Support the complete athlete pathway with junior and development-level programs that progress toward elite-level programs
Serve licensed Junior and/or U23 athletes with a racing age of 11-22
Have plans to send Junior or U23 athletes to National Championship events or USA Cycling Athlete Development Pathway Regional Camps
Have a current USA Cycling registered coach on the membership and/or staff roster
Adhere to USA Cycling’s Safe Sport program
Be a licensed club or team in good standing with USA Cycling
Be a tax-exempt, registered non-profit organization
Save the Date: Upcoming Webinars and Events
Upcoming Webinars
May 25
4 pm MT
ADP Program with Alec Pasqualina
Join Parker in discussion with Alec Pasqualina, USA Cycling's Director of the Athlete Development Pathway, as he gives a rundown of the Athlete Development Pathways program and why it's important and valuable to clubs.
Past Events
USA Cycling Clubs & Teams Tool Webinar hosted by Parker
Tune into Parker Ohlmann, USA Cycling's Member Services Manager, as he gives a live demonstration of USA Cycling's new Club & Teams tool. The tool simplifies and elevates the club management experience with USA Cycling, with new features to help you engage with your current and prospective members. In addition, special guest Bonnie Walker, Technical Director of USA Cycling, will join us to go over important rule changes for 2023.
Safe Sport Program with Kelsey Erikson
Are you leveraging USA Cycling's Safe Sport Program to benefit your club? If not you're missing out!
Join Parker Ohlmann and special guest Kelsey Erickson, USA Cycling's Senior Director of Athlete Health, Engagement, & Experience, share what USA Cycling's Safe Sport Program includes and how you can best communicate the measures you are taking as a USA Cycling Club to ensure you are creating a safe and enjoyable environment for your club members. Join USA Cycling’s Club Safe Sport Program.
Club Spotlight
USA Cycling's 2022 Masters Club of the Year, IAMICANIWILLIDO Racing is helmed by Christine D'Ercole, the multi-national and world champion on the track. Along with her co-captain Jim Lyman, they bring a focus to introducing new riders to the velodrome and building a safe space for everyone.
Last Month's Poll Results
