The Steve Tilford Foundation Memorial Fund, a tribute to cycling icon Steve Tilford, was created to honor Steve's passion for the sport and his commitment to its growth. The fund, originally created after his passing in 2017, is now opening grant applications to support the next generation. The fund is looking to award select Junior development clubs and teams that excel in the development of young cyclists, emphasizing sports integrity, and promoting clean and healthy performances.
Steve was a legendary bike racer. He turned professional in 1986 and continued racing with distinction for the next several decades across a range of disciplines and age categories. He was a four-time USA Cycling Cyclocross National Champion, represented the United States three times at the UCI World Road Championships, and achieved the title of seven-time UCI Masters World Champion: five times in Mountain Bike and twice in Cyclocross. Steve was inducted into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 2000 and later into the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame in 2023. An outspoken advocate for clean and equitable competition, Steve consistently voiced his opposition to doping, firmly believing it undermined the integrity of the sport he cherished.
The Steve Tilford Foundation Memorial Fund is a testament to Steve's enduring influence and his dedication to helping others succeed. The grant will provide financial support to promising young athletes, enabling them to pursue their dreams and excel in the sport of cycling.
The grant application process will be open to prospective or current USA Cycling Clubs and Teams who demonstrate not only exceptional talent but are also committed to the development of athletes at the junior level. Interested teams can apply here. Applications are open from October 5 - November 6, 2023. Recipients of the grant will be notified on November 30, 2023.
To fund the Steve Tilford Foundation Memorial Fund and ensure its long-term impact, the Foundation is actively seeking donations that share a passion for the sport and a commitment to fostering young talent. To make a donation, click here.
Steve Tilford's legacy lives on, not only through his remarkable achievements but also through the opportunities this grant will provide to the next generation of cycling stars. Let us come together as a community to honor his memory and support the future of the sport he loved.
