Colorado Springs, CO – USA Cycling is bolstering its commitment to coach development with the launch of the 2026–2028 Coaches Working Group. This initiative aims to strengthen the connection between the organization’s Coach Education team and the broader coaching community, fostering a collaborative environment for enhancing cycling education and athlete development across all disciplines.
The new working group, comprised of certified coaches, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of USA Cycling’s coach education programs and resources. Unlike traditional committees, this group is designed to be action-driven, focusing on practical improvements and direct support for coaches on the ground. The initiative comes as USA Cycling continues preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, with a renewed focus on building a world-class athlete development system, as outlined in their 2025-2028 strategic plan. USA Cycling’s strategic plan prioritizes growing bike racing nationwide and creating opportunities for riders to reach their full potential.
The Coaches Working Group will serve as a representative body, providing expertise and feedback to elevate education, recognition, and professional development opportunities for coaches at all levels. Members will serve two-year terms as thought partners and ambassadors for USA Cycling’s coaching initiatives, working directly with staff rather than reporting to the Board of Directors.
Roles and Responsibilities
Members of the Coaches Working Group will have a diverse set of responsibilities centered around refining and growing the USA Cycling Coach Education Program. These include reviewing nominations for the Coach of the Year award, assisting in the selection process, and celebrating coaching excellence nationwide. They will also provide critical feedback on course materials, continuing education units (CEUs), and online resources to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with best practices in the field.
Beyond curriculum development, the group will actively contribute to USA Cycling’s educational offerings, such as the “Coaches Coffee Chats,” by suggesting topics, identifying potential speakers, and fostering engagement. They will also contribute ideas for the coaches newsletter, helping to identify and feature coaches within the community, and ensuring timely and useful communication. The Working Group will also be tasked with testing new tools and projects developed by the Coach Education team, providing valuable troubleshooting and representing the needs of working coaches.
Ideal Candidates and How to Apply
USA Cycling is seeking approximately eight certified coaches to participate in the 2026–2028 Coaches Working Group. The organization is looking for a diverse representation across various cycling disciplines, including road, mountain bike, cyclocross, track, BMX racing, BMX freestyle, and gravel. According to SportsTravel Magazine, the goal is to create a group that reflects a range of experience levels, from emerging coaches to seasoned leaders, and represents diverse regions and communities.
Eligibility requirements include holding an active USA Cycling coaching certification (Level 3-1), maintaining SafeSport compliance, and meeting background check requirements. While experience in education, mentorship, or leadership is preferred, it is not mandatory. The most important qualities sought are engagement, a solutions-focused mindset, and a willingness to collaborate.
Coaches interested in joining the 2026–2028 Coaches Working Group can nominate themselves or a peer through an open nomination process. Selections will be based on engagement, experience, commitment to USA Cycling’s mission, and the demand to ensure a balanced representation of disciplines, regions, and backgrounds within the group. The application deadline is March 10. Interested coaches can apply for the Coaches Working Group on the USA Cycling website.
This initiative underscores USA Cycling’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its coaching infrastructure as it builds towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The organization recently made three appointments to its sports performance staff, signaling an “ambitious” medal goal for the Games, as reported by Inside the Games. The Coaches Working Group represents another key step in that process, ensuring that coaches have the resources and support they need to develop the next generation of American cycling talent.
As USA Cycling continues to refine its strategies for success in 2028, the input and collaboration of its coaching community will be invaluable. The launch of this working group signifies a commitment to empowering coaches and fostering a thriving cycling ecosystem across the nation.
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