
The USA Cycling Centers of Excellence program recognizes outstanding clubs and teams that are committed to developing Junior and Under-23 (U23) cyclists into the racers of tomorrow. These organizations create a safe environment, implement holistic coaching practices, and foster a positive team culture—both on and off the bike.
Since the program’s inception in 2002, the USA Cycling Foundation has distributed over $555,000 in support of these grass-roots development efforts. Grants are made possible by the generous donations to the USA Cycling Development Foundation.

Any current or prospective USA Cycling-affiliated club or team may apply for the Centers of Excellence grant if they meet all of the following criteria:
- Operate a USA Cycling club, team, or program with a primary focus on Junior or U23 athlete development and a proven operational history of at least two years
- Support the complete athlete development pathway, offering junior-level programming that progresses toward elite-level competition
- Serve licensed Junior and/or U23 athletes with a racing age of 11–22
- Have plans to send Junior or U23 athletes to National Championship or Junior Development Series
- Employ at least one USA Cycling registered coach on staff or listed on the team roster
- Fully adhere to USA Cycling’s Safe Sport policies
- Have had at least one athlete podium at a 2024 USA Cycling National Championship event
- Be a licensed club or team in good standing with USA Cycling
- Be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
- All eligibility requirements will be verified during the review process.
Application Process Opens: April 23, 2025
Application Process Closes: May 14, 2025 @ 11:59 PM MT
Review Window: May 15-25, 2025
Recipient Notifications: May 29, 2025
Each panel member will review and grade applications independently. The median score (from all panel members) will serve as the final score and Tier rank. *Tie breakers will be determined by the score of select questions.
A total of $45,000 in grants will be distributed:
- Tier 1: 6 recipients awarded $5,000 each
- Tier 2: 6 recipients awarded $2,500 each
USA Cycling Clubs/Teams that have met the program qualifications will be designated as a “Center of Excellence.” Clubs/Teams that achieve enough points to rank in either Tier 1 or Tier 2 will be recognized as a “Tier 1 or Tier 2 Center of Excellence.” If you have questions please submit a request with “Center of Excellence” in the subject line.
2024 Centers of Excellence Winners
Club/Team Name: | Website |
Team Swift | teamswift.org |
WE Development | waiteendurance.com |
Edge Cycling | edgecyclingteam.com |
NJCX | njcxproject.org |
Midwest Devo Cycling | midwestdevo.com |
Greater Houston Cycling | alkekvelodrome.com |
Michigan Junior Cycling Devo | michiganjuniorroadseries.com |
Star Track Cycling | startrackcycling.org |
Fount Cycling Guild | fountcycling.com |
Dirt Camp racing | dirtcampracing.com |
Boulder Junior Cycling | boulderjuniorcycling.org |
Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY24 | teamtwenty24.com |
Bear National Team | beardevteam.com |
CT Cycling Advancement Program CCAP | ctcyclingadvancement.org |