Steve Tilford's Legacy
Steve was a legendary bike racer. He turned professional in 1986 and continued racing with distinction for the next several decades across a range of disciplines and age categories. He was four time USA Cycling Cyclocross National Champion, represented the United States three times at the UCI World Road Championships, and achieved the title of seven-time UCI Masters World Champion: five times in Mountain Bike and twice in Cyclocross. Steve was inducted into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 2000 and later into the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame in 2023. An outspoken advocate for clean and equitable competition, Steve consistently voiced his opposition to doping, firmly believing it undermined the integrity of the sport he cherished.
Grant Overview
The Steve Tilford Memorial Grant, is awarded to select Junior development clubs/teams that excel in the development of young cyclists, emphasizing sports integrity, and promoting clean and healthy performances. These programs must meet strict requirements and qualify for grants from the USA Cycling Foundation based on quantified results. This grant will follow a two-year cycle.
Grant Qualifications
Prospective or current USA Cycling Club/Team members are eligible to apply for the Steve Tilford Memorial Grant, provided they meet all the criteria outlined below:
- Operate a USA Cycling club, team, or program with the specific purpose of developing athletes at the Junior level and have a successful operational history of at least two years
- Support the complete athlete pathway with Junior and development-level programs that progress toward U23 and elite-level programs
- Serve licensed Junior athletes with a racing age of 11-18
- Have a current USA Cycling registered coach on the membership and/or staff roster
- Must hold at least Bronze-level recognition with the Safe Sport Club Recognition Program
- Be a licensed club or team in good standing with USA Cycling
- Be a tax-exempt, registered non-profit organization
Important Dates
Application Process Opens: October 5, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. MDT
Application Process Closes: November 6, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. MDT
Recipient Notifications: November 30, 2023
