USA Cycling Foundation

CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE

Program Overview

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.
 

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Grant Awards

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.

 

Program Qualifications

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 2025 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.

 

Important Dates

Application Process Opens: June 8, 2026

Application Process Closes: June 26, 2026

Review Window: June 29 - July 8 2026

Recipient Notifications: July 10, 2026

Apply

Centers of Excellence Application

Review Process and Grant Awards

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

 

Centers of Excellence Designation

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.
 

 

 

2026 Centers of Excellence Winners

 

Club/Team Name:LevelWebsite
Boulder Junior CyclingGoldhttps://boulderjuniorcycling.org/
Cleveland Cycling AcademyGoldhttps://clevelandcyclingacademy.org/
Team California AcademyGoldhttps://www.teamcaliforniajuniors.com/
Alkek GHCF JuniorsGoldhttps://www.alkekvelodrome.com/
Monarch RacingGoldhttps://www.monarch-racing.com/
Mad Track CyclingGoldhttps://madtrackcycling.com/
Great Lakes CyclingSilverhttps://www.glcycling.com/
CT Cycling Advancement Program CCAPSilverctcyclingadvancement.org
EuroCrossAcademySilvereurocrossacademy.com
Team Segment 28Silversegment28.com
Star Track CyclingSilverstartrackcycling.org
BYRDSSilverhttps://www.enduranceboise.com/byrds-cycling
Competitive Edge RacingBronzehttps://www.compedgeracing.com/
WE DevelopmentBronzewaiteendurance.com