USA Cycling has confirmed two new partners in its mission to develop future professional cyclists, welcoming long-time management companies Highroad Sports and Slipstream Sports as key supporters of the USA Cycling National Development Team.
As the business structures behind Team Columbia-Highroad and Garmin-Slipstream – the United States’ only UCI ProTour squads – both organisations are significant advocates of development initiatives and have a strong history of supporting young American riders. The newly-created partnership marks the next step in the evolution of USA Cycling’s European-based programmes and represents a substantial investment by the American professional cycling industry to ensure that the US continues to produce future generations of international cycling stars.
Created in 1999, the USA Cycling National Development Team is celebrating its tenth year of providing promising young American athletes with extended exposure to European racing – a crucial factor in the successful development of junior and U23 riders. During this time, the programme has provided the support, experience and instruction necessary to make the successful transition to a professional career for a r number of American riders. Based at its headquarters in Izegem, Belgium and managed by former Belgian pro Noel Dejonckheere, the programme is structured to give young cyclists the opportunity to race in the world’s most competitive cycling environment where the fields are larger and more aggressive, the speed is faster and the courses are technically more demanding than in America.
According to USA Cycling Chief Executive Officer Steve Johnson, “These programmes are paying tremendous dividends, having produced numerous Olympians, Olympic and world championship medallists, Tour de France stage winners and many of the sports’ future stars. Our European-based development efforts are some of the most successful programmes in the history of USA Cycling, and the support of Highroad and Slipstream will allow us to continue that trend and build on our current momentum.”
Recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling is the official governing body for all disciplines of competitive cycling in the United States, including road, track, mountain bike, BMX and cyclocross.
