With two 2024 open combines now successfully completed, USA Cycling’s LA-based track sprint talent identification program, Search for Speed, is now in full stride heading into Spring.
Just under 60 total athletes registered and participated in the first two open combines (Feb 3-4; Mar 2) at the VELO Sports Center in Carson, CA, each participating in a structured workout that included, in order:
Vertical jump (x3)
Agility “T” test (x3)
40-yard dash (x3)
WattBike power test (x1)
In addition to the open combines, Search for Speed is also building awareness by setting up WattBike pop-ups and demos at a wide variety of Southern California area schools, gyms, and other public events and locations. These are designed to help drive traffic to the program’s open combines, all at the VELO Sports Center.
“Our new streamlined open combine format is working” said program director Alec Pasqualia. “Between our aggressive pop-up and demo schedule, dedicated social handles and numerous online voices, and the support of such notable organizations as LA28, AEG, YMCA LA, and others, Search for Speed now has tremendous area recognition and momentum. The word is out and it is showing in the form of a steady flow of new talent.”
NBC Sports, the official network of the 2024 and 2028 Olympic Games, filmed a feature on USA Cycling’s Search for Speed for their show CHASING GOLD, which aired on both NBC and Peacock late last month. To see the 3+ minute feature go HERE.
April is shaping up to be a busy month for Search for Speed with demos scheduled during two major international cycling events: the Pan American Track Cycling Championships at the VELO Sports Center (April 3-7), Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, CA (April 18-21).
Immediately following will be the next two Search for Speed open combines, both at the VELO Sports Center:
Sat, April 27
Sat, June 1
Shortly after the last open combine is completed, test data will be reviewed by USA Cycling’s coaching and sports science staff to determine who will be invited to the program’s talent integration phase.
For more on USA Cycling’s Search for Speed including a calendar of upcoming demos and open combine registration link visit searchforspeed.com or linktr.ee/searchforspeed.
