USA Cycling has spent the last few months speaking with colleges, teams, and Conference Directors while monitoring the decisions of other college-based sports and organizations across the country. In addition, we have considered a number of options to hold safe and viable Collegiate National Championships for Track and Mountain Bike, including looking at alternative dates, venues, and formats. At this time the majority of USA Cycling collegiate conferences have cancelled their fall racing season and we are hearing from more and more teams that they will not be able to compete or will have travel restrictions in place. Although we are seeing some local and regional events occur, there are additional safety considerations involved with bringing athletes and staff from around the country for the National Championships. Due to these concerns, USA Cycling is cancelling both Collegiate Track and Mountain Bike Nationals for 2020.
We are currently considering alternatives for Collegiate Cyclocross Nationals, which is traditionally held with the USA Cycling Cyclocross Nationals. We have heard from a number of schools and the majority have stated they will be finishing before the end of November, making a December Cyclocross Nationals difficult for our teams and athletes. We are working to determine if we can hold a standalone Collegiate Cyclocross Nationals in conjunction with an existing cyclocross race, and will provide an update in mid-September.
We recognize the lack of conference competition and Nationals is disappointing. As an alternative, we have created a series of challenges that will pit team against team over the fall semester. With competitions both on the bike and off, including a Collegiate Cup virtual race competition and an academic team challenge, we look forward to our entire collegiate community being involved.
More information will be provided shortly as we open registration in mid-August.
