USA Cycling is proud to introduce significant updates to its Level 3 Coaching Certification Course, designed to better equip coaches with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to develop athletes across all cycling disciplines.
A key enhancement is the introduction of a structured and expanded coach education program featuring Continuing Education Units (CEUs) as a requirement for maintaining certification. This ensures that USA Cycling coaches remain at the forefront of industry standards, best practices, and athlete development techniques. Additionally, updated background check and SafeSport training mandates reinforce USA Cycling’s commitment to athlete safety and compliance.
Certification Maintenance Requirements
To maintain their license, Level 3 and Level 2 Certified Coaches must complete 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) annually. Additionally, coaches must keep their background check current and complete SafeSport training each year to ensure athlete safety and compliance with industry best practices.
Comprehensive Curriculum Updates
The updated Level 3 course now includes expanded content and newly developed chapters that reflect the evolving landscape of cycling coaching.
- Chapter 1: Program Requirements
- Annual CEU expectations
- Athlete development fundamentals
- Introduction to Specialization Certificates
- Chapter 2: What It Means to Be a Coach
- Self-assessment of strengths and weaknesses
- Defining coaching philosophy and methodology
- Updated insights on the coaching profession
- Chapter 3: Cycling Disciplines
- In-depth coverage of road, track, mountain bike, BMX, and gravel disciplines
- Chapter 4: Basic Cycling Skills
- Essential techniques for handling, cornering, and pack riding
- Chapter 5: Safety
- Best practices for road and group ride safety
- Emergency action planning and communication strategies
- Chapter 6: Communication
- Effective communication techniques, including active listening and empathy
- Situational best practices for working with juniors, masters, and parents
- Guidance on SafeSport-compliant athlete-coach communication
- Chapter 7: Fundamental Principles of Physiology
- Comprehensive training concepts including periodization, recovery, and overtraining
- Introduction to bike fit basics and when to refer athletes to specialists
Additionally, USA Cycling has partnered with iSportz LMS, a one-stop location for all coaching education needs, including the Level 3 certification course, CEU courses, and Specialization Certificates. The new learning platform makes it easier than ever for coaches to track their progress, access high-quality educational resources, and plan their ongoing development.
After completing Level 3, coaches can continue advancing by earning Specialization Certificates or pursuing their Level 2 Intermediate Certification (coming in 2025). The updated Level 3 course now includes engaging video content, expert insights, and skill demonstrations, creating a more dynamic and interactive learning experience. Coaches can complete their coursework at their own pace while still benefiting from a structured curriculum that aligns with industry best practices.
“We’re excited to launch these updates to the Level 3 Coaching Certification Course,” said Suzy Sanchez, Director of DEI and Membership at USA Cycling. “By introducing a more structured CEU program, enhancing our course content, and providing a centralized learning platform, we are setting coaches up for long-term success while ensuring athlete safety and development remain top priorities.”
USA Cycling invites aspiring and existing coaches to explore the revamped Level 3 Coaching Certification Course and become part of a growing network of certified professionals shaping the future of cycling. Purchase your coaching membership here.
For more details and to get started, visit the USA Cycling Coaching Hub at learn.usacycling.org.
