USA Cycling supports riders at every stage, strengthening racing communities nationwide, and building clear pathways from a rider's first event to the highest levels of competition.
As we head into 2026, your membership is helping fuel new programs, expand access to coaching and education, and improve the athlete experience across disciplines. Here is a high level look at several key initiatives underway.
Investing in grassroots development across disciplines
In 2026, USA Cycling will launch Rider to Racer, a refreshed version of our Level Up Your Ride program.
Rider to Racer is built to help clubs and local communities welcome new riders through safe, skills based experiences led by local clubs and certified instructors. The program creates a more consistent on ramp into bike racing, giving families and athletes a clear path from learning fundamentals to lining up with confidence.
By strengthening club infrastructure and aligning programming across regions, Rider to Racer supports safer experiences, long term development, and stronger cycling communities nationwide. More details will be shared as the program rolls out throughout 2026.
This spring and summer, USA Cycling is expanding its presence at key mountain bike events with on site skill clinics and an immersive summer camp. These opportunities focus on practical development like course walk throughs, on bike instruction, and decision making skills athletes can use right away.
These efforts also help bring athletes, parents, coaches, and officials together around shared best practices.
For the 2026 season, USA Cycling will offer structured downhill course walk-throughs at major downhill series events. These sessions provide a consistent, educational approach to course inspection, helping improve safety, sharpen race strategy, and support athletes as they progress in the discipline.
At select cyclocross events, including national and international level competitions, USA Cycling will deliver course previews paired with targeted skills instruction. These sessions help athletes better understand terrain, line choice, pacing, and race specific demands.
Expanding opportunities
We continue to invest in the collegiate ecosystem, including the relaunch of the Collegiate All-Stars program and the addition of a High School National Championship within Collegiate Nationals. These initiatives strengthen the connection between youth, high school, collegiate, and post collegiate racing, and help ensure athletes can see what comes next.
In 2026, members will see expanded discipline specific calendars. This includes a dedicated Paracycling calendar with three classification opportunities to improve access and competitive equity. It also includes the addition of a Track Racing calendar to provide clearer structure and visibility for track athletes nationwide.
For athletes representing the U.S. at Masters World Championships, USA Cycling is building a stronger support experience with clearer communication, improved resources, and a greater sense of community for masters competitors racing on the world stage.
Your membership at work
All our initiatives reflect a simple truth: membership matters. Your support helps USA Cycling deliver education, access, and opportunity at the grassroots level, while strengthening the pipeline across disciplines.
As we move through 2026, we are committed to sharing progress clearly and keeping the focus on serving members.
Thank you for being part of the USA Cycling community and helping build the future of the sport.
