Collegiate road racing has already started in some parts of the country, and other conferences are right around the corner! We are excited to welcome the returning riders back and would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our new riders! Let's get ready for another season with some updates from our Collegiate & Youth Manager, Justin Evans.
I would like to thank everyone for their support and involvement since I took the reigns of the collegiate program in February 2018. Since then, USA Cycling's collegiate program experienced one of the world's worst pandemics which interrupted the high school & collegiate experience for many. In the 2022 season, we had 2,500 collegiate license holders, down from a high of over 5,000 in the early 2010s. We are on the right track, but have a long way to go. To ensure the program's growth, changes to the collegiate program are coming. The program will receive an influx of new resources, including a new Collegiate Director. The position is being recruited to help grow the program into a fantastic experience for all.
Also included in these changes is my departure. My last day with the organization will be March 13. I will move on from USA Cycling, but will stay involved in the sport. If anyone is interested in staying in touch, reach out to me directly, and I will provide my personal contact. Enjoy your time in the collegiate world; it truly is the best!
The COLLEGIATE membership is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Included with your membership purchase is the ability to race both collegiate and domestic/non-collegiate races, all for just $60. Also, you can upgrade your COLLEGIATE membership to COLLEGIATE+. The plus membership is an additional $40 and includes $0 deductible on-the-bike accident coverage.
Each year, collegiate teams must renew their club license with USA Cycling, currently valid until December 31. The collegiate club renewal fee is $125. To renew, complete the Club Application and return it to membership@usacycling.org. In addition to the renewal, every club must submit the Club Eligibility document, signed by a staff member on campus. If you have any questions on the renewal process or once the eligibility document is ready, email membership@usacycling.org.
Below are the 2023 rule updates that will affect collegiate riders and events. Rule changes went into effect on January 1. For questions, contact collegiate@usacycling.org.
- 7I1(d): Riders competing at a national championship, world championship, world cup, or a world tour event during the conference season may count these starts towards one weekend/one start, as it pertains to eligibility for collegiate national championships in the respective discipline. Any other event must be approved by USA Cycling and the collegiate committee. Additional starts to qualify for nationals must come from a non-home collegiate event.
- 7I8(a):
- (iv) Riders from varsity programs must have participated in at least three weekends (five race days), in any category (not only A).
- 6C1(b):
- i. Students in their final semester/quarter and not enrolled full-time, will be eligible to participate if the bursar or registrar at their school verifies the student is enrolled in the courses necessary to complete the degree requirements. Documentation (Reduced Course Load Waiver) must be provided to USA Cycling's Collegiate Programs Manager for verification.
The academic all-stars list for the Fall semester of 2022 will be released soon! To be named to the Fall 2022 Academic All-Star class, athletes must have competed in a fall collegiate race and have a 3.5 GPA or better. The list of All-Stars from the Fall 2022 semester will be ready in early March. Submissions must be received by February 24. Submissions for the Spring '23 class can be submitted after the conclusion of this term.
We will host the 2023 USA Cycling Collegiate BMX National Championships in Bakersfield, Calif., on March 10-11, 2023. You must ensure your club has been renewed for the 2023 season and have a valid collegiate membership and USA BMX license. You must have recently competed in a USA BMX or other international BMX event to be eligible. For more information, reach out to collegiate@usacycling.org.
Before you know it, the Collegiate Road National Championships will be here! We are looking forward to a fantastic event in Albuquerque, N.M. The preliminary schedule has been posted. As we near the event, more information will be released. If you have any questions on eligibility, reach out directly to your conference director or to collegiate@usacycling.org.
The overall national team rankings have been updated since we held the Collegiate Cyclocross National Championships in Hartford, Conn.
Mid-season recognition goes to:
D1 Club – Colorado State University
D2 Club – U.S. Air Force Academy
Varsity – Colorado Mesa University
The Joshua Kuck and John Stenner Collegiate Scholarships are open to any full-time student (must hold a collegiate license) and any category rider. For questions, reach out to Steve McCauley.
