You can join by submitting an application for your discipline. There is a specific application period for each discipline. You can find the application here. Once the application review process is complete, you will be notified of your application status via email.

Yes.

There is no minimum age requirement or cut off. It is recommended that athletes ages 16 to 25 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, at times as many as 25 athletes depending on the program.

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

No, the Olympic Development Academy is a step below the National Team. The goal is that those who have competed for the ODA will develop into National Team members in the future.

When athletes are racing in the U.S., they will be traveling to and from events. In some cases, races and training camps are scheduled beside each other for the convenience of not having to travel back and forth. When athletes are in Europe, they will be staying at the USA Cycling European headquarters in Sittard, Netherlands.

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.

​It will be up to the athlete to negotiate any travel exemptions they may need from their schools. We are happy to offer letters of support for them to miss days of school for travel to events. If there are specific travel restrictions in place from an athlete's school/university, they will be responsible to adhere to those. We will, of course, help them navigate those protocols as much as possible.

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. The ODA will provide the training and racing schedules up front, and athletes can decide if they think it will fit well with their current team support. In most cases, the ODA will complement the athletes' current team programs very well. While racing/training with the ODA, the athletes will be expected to wear ODA gear. When racing/training with their club team, the athletes may wear their club team gear. If there are any conflicts, they will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

We will always follow local health officials' guidelines and CDC regulations. We're only going to hold and attend events if/when it is safe and permitted to do so. We will assist all the athletes in navigating their local health guidelines and testing requirements around travel.

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.

Applications and team selections will be reviewed by an application review committee, this includes internal USA Cycling Staff and external members.

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 season, however, attending all races will be best for the athletes development. The cost is fixed regardless of the number of events attended.

At the time of registration, the full amount can be paid at once or an option of 3 installments. Installments are only available for programs over $3,000.

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

Athletes must apply for a scholarship, here, to be considered. Athletes will fill out an online form to apply for a scholarship and include some basic household financial information. There are no eligibility requirements to apply for a scholarship.

Scholarships will be awarded based on a reviewing process that takes into account athletic merit and financial need.

Athletes who receive scholarships will be notified via email along with their acceptance letter to the Academy.

Athletes will be notified of their acceptance to the academy and any scholarship amount they have been awarded at the same time. In that letter, there will be a link for the registration page to the Academy, where they will be able to enter a discount code for their scholarship amount and complete payment for the Academy.