First, fill out an application selecting your discipline and semester you are applying for. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming receipt. Your application will be reviewed. Once the review process is complete, you will be notified of your application status via email by the date noted on the specific discipline page.

Yes, you can apply for multiple disciplines in each semester.

Yes

There is no minimum age requirement or cut off. It is recommended that athletes ages 16 to 22 apply to be in the Academy.

There are no specific requirements to join the Academy. Selections will be made based on racing history, results, personal character, sportsmanship and work ethic. Athletes applying for the Academy must have some experience at National-level competitions. Athletes must be US Citizens.

The Olympic Development Academy is designed to provide high-quality, focused support for each and every athlete involved. Each discipline will be able to include a limited and varying number of athletes ranging between 6-20 athletes per discipline. The ODA will include an equal number of male and female athletes in every program when possible.

Applications and team selections will be reviewed by an application review committee.

Yes, you will always be emailed the status of your application regardless of being selected or not.

Athletes will be notified via the email listed on their application of their acceptance on the date listed on the specific discipline page. Shortly after, the Olympic Development Academy team will be publicly announced through USA Cycling. The announcement date will be available on the discipline page.

Each discipline program will have a unique start date determined by the national and international racing calendars. Most disciplines will offer Spring and Fall semesters, while some disciplines offer one semester each year. Each discipline’s schedule can be found on their respective web pages.

The idea and whole concept of the ODA is to simulate what a full-time, elite-level athlete’s program would look like.As a member of the Academy you will have the opportunity and access to some of the best coaches in the world. Both training plans and one on one training programs are available.

Yes. The academy will have a competition and training camp schedule for the semester, as a member of the academy it is not required to participate in the full schedule.

Yes. USA Cycling will provide Travel Insurance on international trips. More information can be found here.

Yes. The ODA is a development program designed to prepare athletes to compete at the highest level. International event selection will take place separately from Academy programs, and all international event selections will continue to be approved by the Athlete Selection Committee. You can read more about specific selection processes under each discipline's “Major Events” tab.

The Olympic Development Academy is directed by some of the top coaches in the world. These coaches design the Academy training camps, racing programs, training plans and support infrastructure relying on decades of world-class experience. Each Academy discipline will include coaching by USA Cycling Elite Level coaches along with instruction from top experts in sports science, human performance, and personal development. Academy athletes may also interact with National Team athletes and coaches in select opportunities.

The Olympic Development Academy will be part of the USA Cycling Coach Development and Education pathway and is welcoming any and all support staff like mechanics, souigners, sport scientists, etc. If you are interested in being a part of the ODA as a staff member, send us an email at olympicdevelopmentacademy@usacycling.org with more information about the discipline you would like to work with.

The Academy includes training plans, training camps, race trips, holistic athlete education and mentorship. Each component of the Academy is designed, managed and provided by world class coaches and experienced professionals.

Additional costs for athletes to consider will be: Travel to and from Academy events including training camps and race trips, personal racing and training equipment, and personalized coaching throughout the rest of the year. Academy clothing for competition and casual clothing is required to purchase once a year.

Yes. It is not required to attend every event during the semester, however, attending all races will be best for the athletes development. The cost is fixed regardless of the number of events attended.

Yes. There are multiple scholarships available through the USA Cycling Foundation.

Riders that may become injured, ill or otherwise unable to attend the semester may be subject to a refund or credit for future semesters and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please email your respective Academy Director for more information.