Most people that participate in the sport of cycling have found mentorship and support through a team or club. Decorum is taught on coffee rides and traditions are passed as people from different walks of life come together to pedal. Clubs serve to develop skills on the bike as well as create community. We're thankful for all of the USA Cycling clubs across the country, but only the following will be named 2020 Club of the Year:
Best Pivot - Avout Racing (Littleton, CO)
Best Junior Program - Jerry Baker Juniors (Redmond, WA)
Best Collegiate Program - Marian University (Indianapolis, IN)
Best Community Builder - The Club Roule (Portland, OR)
Spirit of Cycling Award - Velo Club La Grange (Los Angeles, CA)
Best New Club - Saint Augustine's University (Raleigh, NC)
Bravo, 2020 winners! We commend you for being pillars of your local cycling communities and enriching this two-wheeled lifestyle that we all love.
Best Pivot
Avout Racing in Littleton, CO
Avout Racing is developing the next generation of USA cyclists. When Avout Racing decided to pivot this past year, they put their attention towards juniors. Shifting focus on having fun while riding bikes, improving everyone’s skills and conditioning, developing good humans, and being good stewards of cycling. With their new found focus was able to double their junior population within the club this year, well done!
Best Junior Program
Jerry Baker Juniors, Redmond WA
The Jerry Baker Juniors are a nurturing community of athletes that, during a difficult year, were able to support one another; and with each others support grow and develop in creative ways. Without racing and time on the track, the team was able to keep the morale high and the community feel, while taking unique twists on what could be done at home while still sharing that sense of camaraderie at a distance.
Collegiate Program
Marian University Cycling in Indianapolis, IN
Not only is Marian University a power house across all disciplines: road, cyclocross, mountain bike, track AND BMX, they also participate in numerous fundraising activities and avidly volunteer in the local community. Their 'school-first' approach encourages a balance between academics, athletics and community involvement. Goal-oriented programming sets MU cyclists up for success long after graduation. Welcome back to the Club of the Year podium, MU!
Best Community Builder
The Club Roule in Portland, OR
The Club Roule used the adversity that we all faced this past year as a catalyst for change to build a more well rounded community in the Pacific North West. Turning strangers into friends, supporting local businesses through Community Partnerships, and supporting the growth of the sport by encouraging cyclists of all abilities to ride together and learn from one another.
The Spirit of Cycling Award
Velo Club La Grange in Los Angeles, CA
Velo Club La Grange is one of California's oldest and largest cycling clubs. Being good stewards for the sport and building on their rich history in Southern California, they continue moving forward providing the ever changing landscape a community that cyclists can share and be a part of.
Best New Club
Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh, NC
What a year for Saint Augustine's University to start a collegiate cycling program. 2020 is now in the books, but for SAU it was their launch into the world of cycling. The budding team has built a sense of community through the pandemic, and partnered with sponsors to prepare for when racing returns. We wish coach Dr. Mark Janas and the team a successful 2021 year! Looking forward to seeing the team out at the races!
