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Mechanics

USA Cycling Race Mechanics Clinic

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2025 USA Cycling Race Mechanics Clinic
March 14-18, 2025

The USA Cycling Race Mechanics Clinic is four days of training and testing in Bentonville, AR. You will learn from the some of the most experienced mechanics in the US, as they dive into their specialties and share their experiences throughout the curriculum. At the end of the course, attendees will receive a certificate of completion, a USA Cycling Category 4 Mechanics license, and additional knowledge to increase opportunities to work as a mechanic in the future. Our goal is to give you the personalized attention you need to get the most value out of your time.

THE DETAILS

What: USA Cycling Race Mechanics Clinic

When: March 14-18, 2025

Where: Thaden School, 800 SE C Street, Bentonville, AR 72712

Cost: $525

Class Size: Maximum of 45 Students

Registration Deadline: Friday, March 7 at 5pm MT

Additional Requirements: USA Cycling requires all technical license holders (officials, coaches, mechanics, team staff, etc.) to complete yearly Safe Sport training and a background check every two years. You can find the details to complete both HERE. Both should be completed prior to attending the clinic. 

Special thanks to Feedback Sports and Visit Bentonville for their support!

REGISTER
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What's Included

The cost of the clinic includes:

  • Clinic instructions by race mechanics with national and international experience.
  • USA Cycling Category 4 Mechanics license upon successful completion of the course.
  • Lunch is provided during training and testing days.

MORE INFORMATION
 

Training will be three full days, followed by testing on the morning of the last day. Attendees should plan to check in on Friday, March 14 between 5:00 - 7:00 PM to pick up your credentials, course materials, and meet the instructors. The course wraps up about noon on Tuesday, March 18, after testing and review. Please plan your travel accordingly.

CORE SUBJECTS

General Overview

• UCI Regulations for Time Trial bikes

• Caravan (driving and protocols)

• The Race Team Mechanic

• Neutral Support Service (including its role with race officials and the caravans)

• Mountain Bike Racing

• Cyclocross Racing

• Rise of Gravel

• Para-cycling

CORE PRACTICES

Core skills that any race mechanic must understand and perform to race standards.

• Modern Race Technologies (electronic shifting, disc brakes, tubular/tubeless)

• Flat Tires, Wheel Swap, and Bike Swaps (road races, criterium and cyclo-cross)

• Professionally Bicycle Washing and Inspection

INSTRUCTORS
  • Mark Niemiec, Lead Instructor
  • Win Allen
  • Michael Berry
  • Steve Donovan
  • Matt Fallon
  • Vincent Gee
  • Paul Reardon
  • Randy Villanueva
  • Bonnie Walker, USAC Technical Director
LODGING OPTIONS

The Block Hotel in Bentonville has offered a limited number of rooms at a discounted room rate of $90 / night. The discounted rate is good until February 13 and is available for all or any nights between March 13 and March 18. Please use the following link to access the rate USA Cycling - Attendee Hotel Booking Link - The Block Hotel_Bentonville to book directly. 

If you are interested in sharing hotels, Airbnbs, rental cars, etc. please indicate that when you register.

TRAVEL

If you are flying, you should plan on arriving at Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA). The airport is located about 13 miles south of Bentonville. 

WHO CAN ATTEND THE USA CYCLING RACE MECHANICS CLINIC?

Anyone with at least a year of bicycle mechanic experience can attend the clinic. The clinic will not teach you how to work on bicycles, but will show you how to apply your skills to race situations.

Anyone with at least a year of bicycle mechanic experience can attend the clinic. The clinic will not teach you how to work on bicycles, but will show you how to apply your skills to race situations.

WHY DO I NEED A MECHANIC’S LICENSE?

You need a Mechanics license to work at Olympic Trials, National Championships, Olympics, World Championships and with the National Team at races and camps. 

Additionally, many of the corporate neutral support companies require their employees and volunteers to have a USA Cycling Mechanics license.

You need a Mechanics license to work at Olympic Trials, National Championships, Olympics, World Championships and with the National Team at races and camps. 

Additionally, many of the corporate neutral support companies require their employees and volunteers to have a USA Cycling Mechanics license.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A MECHANIC’S LICENSE?

Licensed mechanics are covered under the USA Cycling insurance policy during their participation at sanctioned events.

Having a licensed mechanic on staff at your shop can boost the confidence of your clientele and give you an advantage over other shops.

Having a license and using it with your local team or at local races brings a higher level of staff to the sport.

Licensed mechanics can purchase supplemental liability insurance at a reduced rate. 

Licensed mechanics are covered under the USA Cycling insurance policy during their participation at sanctioned events.

Having a licensed mechanic on staff at your shop can boost the confidence of your clientele and give you an advantage over other shops.

Having a license and using it with your local team or at local races brings a higher level of staff to the sport.

Licensed mechanics can purchase supplemental liability insurance at a reduced rate.