J D Bilodeau joins NEBRA Staff

The New England Bicycle Racing Association (NEBRA) is pleased to announce the addition of JD Bilodeau as full time administrator.  JD will be working with Diane Fortini with his primary administrative responsibilities covering race permitting and racer upgrades.

Diane remains on the Board of Directors, will continue scheduling race officials and will assist JD while he gets up to speed on his new role.

In addition, JD will be focusing on working with race promotors, clubs, and sponsors to build the race calendar, increase the number of racers in NE, and build a new region-wide race series.

JD has been an integral member of the NE racing scene for over 20 years.  He has worked to create our vibrant cyclocross scene, has been an active race promotor in the Pioneer Valley, and, through his work with Pioneer Events, is known to just about everyone who races in New England (don’t fold your race number!).

About NEBRA - The New England Bicycle Racing Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to preserve and improve bicycle racing in New England. NEBRA is also the body contracted by USA Cycling to fill the role as Local Association for New England. With the exception of JD, NEBRA is an all-volunteer organization striving to meet the needs the bicycle racing community of New England.

For information on NEBRA visit NEBRA.US, and follow them on Facebook (New England Bicycle Racing Association) and Twitter @nebranews.

Board members

John Laupheimer - President

Steve Weller - Vice President

Jim Smith - Treasurer

Paul Boudreau - Secretary

Diane Fortini - At Large

New England Masters Criterium Skills Clinic

Looking to tune up your criterium skills or interested in a hands on racing skills clinic?  Head down to Ninigret and check out the New England Masters Criterium Skills Clinic. https://www.bikereg.com/2015-nemca-criterium-skills-clinic
For new riders, Ninigret is the location of lots of races, including a week night series.  Great spot to get into racing.

NEBRA Job Posting

NEBRA is posting the full-time position of Administrator.  A job description is here.  The position reports to the NEBRA Board of Directors.  The salary range is $45,000 to $50,000.  The responsibilities and requirements are outlined in the attachment.  A search sub-committee of the board will review the resumes and cover letters, interview candidates, and make a recommendation to the board.  We would like to have the position filled by mid-February.  If you are interested and qualified, please submit a resume and cover letter by January 15th to president@nebra.us.  Your cover letter should outline in detail why you are qualified and motivated to perform the responsibilities.  Please feel free to call or email me directly with any questions, however I am currently on the West Coast, so please do not call before noon EST.

Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program

Check out CCAP's ride and dinner April 12th.  Proceeds go toward CT Junior racers and High School Racing League.

USA Cycling Names 2013 Officials of the Year

Colorado Springs, Colo. (February 14, 2014) – USA Cycling is pleased to announce its 2013 Officials of the Year. The national governing body named an overall "National Official of the Year," five "Regional Officials of the Year," and 32 "Local Officials of the Year."

The honored officials were chosen by the USA Cycling Technical Commission and Local Associations based on their demonstrated excellence in technical skills, management and teamwork, and service to their respective local associations and race directors.

Taking the top honor as "National Official of the Year" was Randy Shafer (Colorado Springs, Colo.), who progressed to level 1 in 1991 and then became a UCI International Commissaire in 1997.

"As a former Technical Director and Technical Commission Emeritus member, his advice and influence on the officials program and cycling in general is second to none," said USA Cycling's Technical Director, Shawn Farrell. "He was the first American selected (to officiate) for the Vuelta a Espana, and this summer he will be the second American selected for the Tour de France. He is simply one of the top five officials in the world and a credit to the profession and to the USA."

USA Cycling also honored officials in each of its five regions who worked locally, regionally, and nationally to demonstrate excellence in their fields. Congratulations to the following “Regional Officials of the Year.”

Chris Constantino (Weymouth, Mass.) - Eastern RegionSteve Crews (Dallas, Texas) - Mountain Region
Josie Strange (Panama City Beach, Fla.) -  Southeast Region
Al Cronin (Arlington, Wash.) - Western Region
Brett Griggs (Iowa City, Iowa) - Midwest Region

In addition to the recognition bestowed by USA Cycling, the Local Associations have also named Local “Officials of the Year.” Congratulations to the following Local Officials of the Year:

Chris Constantino (Weymouth, Mass.) – New England Bicycle Racing AssociationBob Pavelec (Loudonville, NY) – New York State Bicycle Racing Association
Mike Doupe (Lancaster, Pa.) – Pennsylvania Cycling Association
Wane Lerch (Washington D.C.) – Mid-Atlantic Bicycle Racing Association
Mike Carey (Chesapeake, Va.) – Virginia Cycling Association
Brandi Hibner (Albuquerque, NM) – New Mexico Bike Racing Association
Marco Vasquez (Castle Rock, Colo.) – Bicycle Racing Association of Colorado
Lura Popovich (Frisco, Texas) – Texas Bicycle Racing Association
Tim Schaars (Salt Lake City, Utah) – Utah Cycling Association
John Cichelli (Lenexa, Ks.) Kansas Cycling Association
Vince Cucco (Rogers, Ark.) – Arkansas Bicycle Coalition
David Isbell (Shawnee, Okla.) – Bicycle Racing Association of Oklahoma
Hoby Lowe (Concord, NC) - Carolinas Cycling Association
John Patterson (Alpharetta, Ga.) – Georgia Bicycle Racing Association
John and Barbara Rigby (Knoxville, Tenn.) – Tennessee Bicycle Racing Association
Michael Callahan (Madison, Ala.) – Alabama Cycling Association
Lane Colvin (Monroe, La.) – Louisiana Mississippi Bicycle Racing Association
Josie Strange (Panama City Beach, Fla.) – Florida Bicycle Racing Association
Carlos Soto (Benicia, Calif.) – Northern California/Nevada Cycling Association
George Crawford (Seattle, Wash.) – Washington State Bicycle Association
Chris Abbruzzese (Boise, Idaho) – Southwest Idaho Cycling Association
Sheli Thomas (Kalispell, Mont.) – Montana Bicycle Racing Association
Nancy Hess (San Clemente, Calif.) – Southern California/Nevada Cycling Association
Jeff Mertz (Waukee, Iowa) – Iowa Bicycle Racing Association
Amy Thaller (Pekin, Ill.) – Illinois Cycling Association
Barbara Saive (Louisville, Ky.) – Indiana Kentucky Cycling Association
Mitch Beckner (Troy, Ohio) – Ohio Cycling Association
Steve Westerfield (Lapeer, Mich.) – Michigan Bicycle Racing Association
Emily Good (Minneapolis, Minn.) – Minnesota Cycling Federation
Marijn Braadbaart (Webster Groves, Mo.) – Missouri Bicycle Racing Association
Scott Bulfinch (Lincoln, Neb.) – Nebraska Cycling Association
Carolyn Carrell (Wisconsin Dells, Wis.) – Wisconsin Cycling Association
 
 

Entry Level USA Cycling Introductory Official’s Clinic   

Northeast/ NEBRA

Location: Hampton Inn

                  736 Southbridge St

                  Auburn, MA 01501

http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/massachusetts/hampton-inn-auburn-ORHMAHX/index.html

Date: Saturday March 8, 2014

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Instructor: Diane Fortini

This is an introductory clinic for new officials with basic instruction for road, track, cyclocross                           and mountain bike officiating. USA Cycling rulebooks will be provided. The clinic will be followed by an open book test which has a passing grade of 70%.  Those who pass the test  will be able to purchase a USA Cycling new official’s license at a cost of  $35 to be paid the day of the clinic with cash, credit card or a check made payable to USA Cycling. Due to USOC regulations, all USA Cycling officials now need to have a background check and take a webinar on Safe Sport before a license is issued. Details will be given at the clinic. There is no cost for the clinic.

TO REGISTER PLEASE CONTACT: Diane Fortini diane@nebra.us no later than March 1

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

Entry Level USA Cycling Introductory Official’s Clinic & Motor Referee Clinic

Northeast/NEBRA

Location:  MAX’s BMW

                 Danbury/ Brookfield, CT

Date:  Saturday and Sunday March 29 & 30 2014

Time:  9:00am -3:00pm

Instructors: Kirk Leidy & David Miller

On Saturday will be an introductory clinic for new officials with basic instruction for road, track, cyclocross and mountain bike officiating. USA Cycling rulebooks will be provided. The clinic will be followed by an open book test which has a passing grade of 70%.  Those who pass the test  will be able to purchase a USA Cycling new official’s license at a cost of  $35 to be paid the day of the clinic with cash, credit card or a check made payable to USA Cycling. Due to USOC regulations, all USA Cycling officials now need to have a background check and take a webinar on Safe Sport before a license is issued. Details will be given at the clinic. There is no cost for the clinic.

On Sunday will be a Motor Referee clinic which is open to licensed USA Cycling Officials who are interested in applying their referee skills on a motorcycle.  This clinic will be conducted in a classroom and motorcycles will not be required for the clinic.  There will be a test at the end of the clinic covering information discussed during the clinic and USA Cycling rules involving road racing.

There is no cost for the clinic.

TO REGISTER PLEASE CONTACT: Elizabeth Campbell mslizvt@yahoo.com  no later than March 23^rd

 

Race Clean Drug Testing comes to NE

NEBRA has contracted with USAC to participate in the Race Clean program in 2013. USADA will be testing USAC/UCI sanctioned races from now through the end of 'cross season. Testing will not be pre-announced.

Resources for riders are available:

http://www.usada.org/resources

http://www.usada.org/uploads/pocketguide.pdf

http://www.usada.org/uploads/walletcard.pdf

http://www.usada.org/prohibited-list/athlete-guide

Most non-professional athletes can obtain one post-positive-test therapeutic use exemption for common (BUT NOT ALL) medications. 

http://www.usada.org/prohibited-list/athlete-guide

IMPORTANT-NEBRA ANNUAL MEETING CHANGES DUE TO STORM!

The NEBRA Annual Meeting and Promotor's Meeting will be held as a conference call on Saturday at 10 AM due to the storm.  The call in number is 1-712-432-3100 pin 864550.  When you call in please identify yourself and your club so that we may take attendance for purposes of obtaining a quorum.  Renewals can be done at BikeReg.  Existing members must renew by 10 on Saturday to vote.

If you cannot call in and have renewed please provide your proxy to John Laupheimer, president@nebra.us.  You may vote for the three candidates; Cathy Rowell, Ron Goguen, and John Laupheimer.  Or, you may write in any candidate.

Flash Pre-Announcement!

Diane Fortini named USAC official of the year!  Congratulations to a well earned recipient!!!

2013 Membership Available on BikeReg

BikeReg page is here

2013 NEBRA APPLICATION AVAILABLE

The 2013 NEBRA member application is available here.  The annual meeting is 2/9 at the Auburn, MA Hampton Inn.  See you there.

NEBRA Calendar

If you use Google Calendar, you can add the NEBRA calendar to the calendars you see.  This will give you every race with info without logging on to NEBRA.US.  Just add nebrainfo@gmail.com to your calendar list.

NEBRA Membership available on Bike Reg

If you go to the following link, you will find our membership sign-up on BIKEREG.  Remember that  NEBRA membership is for clubs and promotors.  Individual racers participate through their clubs.
http://www.BikeReg.com/15386 

NEBRA Membership Application

Copy and Paste the form below.  The updated form is also available on the website at: 
http://www.nebra.us/resource-catalog/nebra-materials/membership/nebra_membership_applicatio.pdf.

 2012 NEBRA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 

Annual Membership Fee: $25.00

Member Name: _______________________________________________________ 

Membership Type: __ USA Cycling Club __USA Cycling Event Organizer (check one)

USA Cycling Club ID # _________ 

Number of members: ______male _____female _____juniors 

Please use a deliverable e-mail address preferred to receive NEBRA e-mail notices 

Club/Member contact: info: 

Name: ____________________________________________ 

E-mail:____________________________________________ 

Phone: ______________________ Fax: _________________ 

Organizer(s) contact info if different from club contact: 

Name: ____________________________________________ 

E-mail:____________________________________________ 

Phone #:___________________________________________ 

Event: ______________________________________________ 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Name: _____________________________________________ 

E-mail:_____________________________________________ 

Phone: ____________________________________________ 

Event: ______________________________________________ 

Please enclose application and membership fee payable to NEBRA and send to: 

Diane Fortini 

91 Hillcrest Rd. 

Hanson, MA 02341 

NOTE: CURRENT NEBRA MEMBERS MUST RENEW THEIR MEMBERSHIPS BY 2:00 P.M. February 4 , 2012 IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN AND VOTE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING BUT THOSE NOT NEBRA MEMBERS DURING 2011 MUST HAVE BECOME NEBRA MEMBERS BY DECEMBER 24, 2011 IN ORDER TO VOTE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. 

Candidate Statement for Steve Weller

Steve Weller is running for the open NEBRA board seat currently held by Todd Savage.  Here is his candidate statement:

I've been an active member of the New England cycling community since 2001, and would be proud to be a member of the NEBRA Board of Directors.  

Over my years of racing and training in New England, I've been involved with the sport on numerous levels: I have competed in road, track, MTB and cyclo-cross races, was team captain of the Dartmouth College team for 3 years, and have promoted local road and UCI C2 cyclo-cross races in New England.  Currently, I am the owner of Bell Lap Coaching, a coaching and athletic consulting business working with athletes throughout North America, and am an active member and team captain of the BikeReg.com / Cannondale Elite Team.  

My various roles in cycling have afforded me different perspectives of the competitive racing scene in New England, and it would be a privilege to serve on the board and give back to our community.

 

NEBRA Promoter's Meeting

The road promoter's meeting will be held Saturday 01/28/12 at the Hampton Inn in Auburn, MA at 2:00 pm.

Hampton Inn, Auburn, MA ‪736 Southbridge Street, Auburn, MA (774) 221-0055 ‎ · hamptoninn1.hilton.com

Notice of NEBRA Annual Meeting 2/4/12

NOTICE AGENDA OF NEBRA ANNUAL MEETING

[Race Scheduling Meeting same time and place on Saturday, January 28, 2012]

            The NEBRA Annual Meeting for closing 2011 and opening/conducting 2012 is hereby noticed as follows, with applicable references to the Bylaws of NEBRA:

Date and Time:  Saturday, February 04, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. (Annual Meeting is held within 60 days of the year end Art. II §6). Please note that the Race Scheduling Meeting for 2012 will be held at Hampton Inn, Auburn, MA  on Saturday January 28th @ 2:00PM, formal notice will be sent shortly.

Place:  Hampton Inn, Auburn, MA ‪736 Southbridge Street, Auburn, MA (774) 221-0055 ‎ · hamptoninn1.hilton.com

Who Should Attend:  We encourage all to attend. Any and all renewing Members of NEBRA having paid their $25 membership fee for 2012 prior to commencement of the meeting at 2:00 P.M. on February 04, 2012 [may pay at the meeting] (USAC licensed New England Clubs and Promoters are eligible for NEBRA membership  Art. II §1 --- the fee for membership is $25 per year --- quorum requires 1/3 of all Members in actual or by proxy attendance Art. II §10). NOTE THAT CURRENT NEBRA MEMBERS MUST RENEW THEIR MEMBERSHIPS BY 2:00 P.M. February 04, 2012 IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN AND VOTE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING BUT THOSE NOT NEBRA MEMBERS DURING 2011 MUST HAVE BECOME NEBRA MEMBERS BY January 04, 2012 IN ORDER TO  VOTE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING (i.e. 30 days prior to the Annual Meeting).

Agenda for Meeting:  The following matters will be dealt with at the Annual Meeting:

Election of 2 of the 5 seats on the Board of Directors (ie seats presently held by Diane Fortini and Todd Savage,  each for a two-year term (Art. III §1));

-Candidates: Two seats (out of 5 total) on the New England Bicycle Racing Association ("NEBRA") Board of Directors will be filled for 2012. Those wishing to seek election to the Board should notify John Laupheimer and provide candidate statements if they wish [j.laup@comcast.net]. If a seat(s) are not filled by election, the open seat(s) will be filled by appointment of the NEBRA Board during 2012 pursuant to the NEBRA Bylaws.

The business of the Annual Meeting will be limited to the above and the agenda set forth below, unless all Members in attendance (and a quorum being present) agree to additional matters being taken up (Art. II §10).

Voting:  Each Member of NEBRA will have one vote on each of the agenda listed matters (and one vote for each open seat on the Board of Directors), and all matters are decided by majority vote (Art. II §11). Votes may be cast directly and pursuant to proxy held and all proxies should be registered with the President of NEBRA (John Laupheimer) at the commencement of the Annual Meeting. John Laupheimer, as President of NEBRA, will be conducting and presiding over the Annual Meeting (Art. II §16), and he will resolve any and all questions and disputes occurring during the Annual Meeting (including but not limited to voting for the Board of Directors), which will be governed in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order. A BALLOT FORM IS INCLUDED AS THE LAST PORTION OF THIS EMAIL ABD THE BALLOT FORM CONTAINS A PROXY FORM FOR COMPLETION BY NEBRA MEMBERS WISHING TO VOTE THROUGH PROXY. 

The foregoing notice is provided pursuant to Maine law by the  attorney, and Clerk of NEBRA:

William R. Black

207-781-5739

wrbmaine@msn.com

NEBRA Annual Meeting Agenda

Call to Order, Introduction and Financial Report.

1. Election of Directors (Diane’s and Todd’s seats are up for election)

2. Review of NEBRA rankings in 2011 and any discussion of changes

3. Financial Review of the Association and introduction of new Treasurer

4. Subcommittee reports, if any

5. NEBRA Grants

6. Open Discussion Topics Introduced By Members

7. Adjourn

NEBRA BALLOT

(For Board of Directors)

Two seats (out of 5 total) on the New England Bicycle Racing Association ("NEBRA") Board of Directors will be filled for 2012. Any seat unfilled for whatever reason will be filled by appointment of the NEBRA Board during 2012 and pursuant to the NEBRA Bylaws. Diane Fortini is standing for reelection and Todd Savage has decided not to seek reelection, other candidates seeking election to the NEBRA Board of Directors for 2012 are _________________, ________________, and _____________________.

Indicate your votes below and tender this ballot (and completed proxy below if vote is by proxy) at the NEBRA Annual Meeting being held at  ________________, ____________________, MA at 2:00 p.m. on _____________, January __, 2012.

INDICATE ONE VOTE FOR EACH CANDIDATE:

________[indicate vote]        ___________________________[write in name of candidate]

________[indicate vote]        ___________________________[write in name of candidate]

________[indicate vote]        ___________________________[write in name of candidate]

THIS BALLOT HAS BEEN COMPLETED BY __________________________________,  A NEBRA MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING:

                                                                        By:____________________________________

     [signature of Member Representative]

                                                                        For:____________________________________

      [print name of NEBRA Member]

PROXY

___________________________[name], being the __________________________[officer title] of ___________________________[club/promoter], a NEBRA Member in good standing, does hereby appoint and grant its proxy to _____________________________ for the purpose of casting and entering its vote and acknowledgement and ratification at the NEBRA Annual meeting January ___, 2012.

                                                                        By:____________________________________

    [signature of Member Representative]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & RATIFICATION

Know all men by these presents that the above NEBRA Member does hereby acknowledge, approve and ratify NEBRA's conduct of business during 2011.

                                                                        By:____________________________________

    [signature of Member Representative]

Congratulations to USA Cycling's 2011 Officials of the Year!

USA Cycling is pleased to announce its 2011 Officials of the Year.  The national governing body named one overall “National Official of the Year,” one “National Motoref of the Year,” five “Regional Officials of the Year,” and 27 “Local Officials of the Year.”

The honored officials were chosen by the USA Cycling Technical Commission based on their demonstrated excellence in technical skills, management and teamwork, and service to their respective local associations and promoters.

Taking the top honor as “National Official of the Year” was Steve Stone (Fredericksburg, Va.). Stone started off the year as Chief Referee for the Wilmington Grand Prix. He was then a commissaire at the Liberty Classic, Chief Referee of both the Presbyterian Hospital criterium and the Masters Worlds Qualifiers in Colorado, and then a motoref at the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge. He finished the season as a commissaire at the Univest Grand Prix.

“A versatile and well-respected official, Steve is equally adept at moto work or being a referee,” said USA Cycling’s Technical Director, Shawn Farrell. “He has been one of the most sought after officials by organizers across the country. He is calm and collected under the most trying of circumstances and he represents the essence of professionalism.”

Each year, USA Cycling also honors the two-wheeled road warriors that keep the races safe out on the road. This year, Jim Allen (Ranchita, CA) earned this top honor. Jim has been instrumental as both a motoref at the biggest races in the country and as an instructor. He has been in the biggest international races and national championships for over two decades of service.

Jim Allen was named Motoref of the Year

Additionally, USA Cycling honored officials in each of its five regions who worked locally, regionally, and nationally to demonstrate excellence in their fields. Congratulations to the following “Regional Officials of the Year.”
Kristen Mills (Brookfield, Mass.) - East Region Official of the Year
Lynn Taylor (Fort Collins, Colo.) - Mountain Region Official of the Year
Mark Guthart (Iowa City, Iowa) - Midwest Region Official of the Year
Bill Wykoff (Clarkston, Wash.) - West Region Official of the Year
John Patterson (Alpharetta, Ga.)– Southeast Official of the Year

In addition to the recognition bestowed by USA Cycling, the Local Associations have also named Local “Officials of the Year.” Congratulations to the following Local Officials of the Year:

Bill Dolan  (Atl Highlands, N.J.) - New England Bicycle Racing Association
Ixsa Gollihur (Sicklerville, N.J.) - New Jersey Bicycling Association
Alan Atwood (Holbrook, N.Y.) -  New York State Bicycle Racing Association
Debbie Wagner (Alburtis, Pa.) - Pennsylvania Cycling Association
Barbara Whiteclaw - Mid Atlantic Bicycle Racing Association
Cor Kikstra (Chesapeake, Va.) - Virginia Cycling Association
Pamala Thullen (Albuquerque, N.M.) - New Mexico Bike Racing Association
Bruce Neal (Colorado Springs, Colo.) - Bicycle Racing Association of Colorado
Mark Nelson (Dallas, Texas) - Texas Bicycle Racing Association
Tim Eisenhart (Lehi, Utah) - Utah Cycling Association
Nancy Ellis (Tucson, Ariz.) - Arizona Bicycle Racing Association
Sherri Hahn (St. Joseph, Mo.) - Kansas Cycling Association
Shawn Garls (Fayetteville, Ark.) - Arkansas Bicycle Coalition
Dean Shafer (Bixby, Okla.) - Bicycle Racing Association of Oklahoma
Judy Ryne – Carolinas Cycling Association
Tom Simonson (Silverdale, Wash.) - Northern California/Nevada Cycling Association
Al Cronin (Arlington, Wash.) - Washington State Bicycle Association
Leah Padaca (Boise, Idaho) - Southwest Idaho Cycling Association
Mark Guthart (Iowa City, Iowa) - Iowa Bicycle Racing Association
Loch Miwa (Crestwood, Ill.) - Illinois Cycling Association
James Nichols (Carmel, Ind.) - Indiana Kentucky Cycling Association
Ron Garrett (Xenia, Ohio) - Ohio Cycling Association
Adrian Fear (Commerce, Mich.) - Michigan Bicycle Racing Association
Mike Busch – Minnesota Cycling Federation
Larry Pirtle (Saint Louis, Mo.) - Missouri Bicycle Racing Association
Darrell Webb (Bellevue, Neb.) - Nebraska Cycling Association
Rich Weiss (Twin Lakes, Wisc.) - Wisconsin Cycling Association

Gear up for 2012 by renewing your USA Cycling license today

Gear up for 2012 by renewing your USA Cycling license today. 

Serious cyclists make the most of the cold months.

If you’re like us, you’re already ramping up for those early spring rides with a balanced, off-season training program. Or perhaps you’re still enjoying racing in the cyclo-cross season!

You’ve probably set some new goals for yourself. Maybe 2012 is the year you’ll race for a national title. Speaking of national titles, if you are planning to compete at the upcoming USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships in Madison, Wisc., Jan. 4-8, 2012, you are going to want to buy your 2012 license as soon as possible and be sure you’re registered for the event.

New for 2012 - We are offering a racing license for even younger members who want to start racing right after they take off the training wheels. You can now buy a license for kids 6 to 9 years of age to compete in “youth” races.

Make a pledge to reach your racing goals in 2012 by renewing your USA Cycling license today! You can renew now through your My USA Cycling account.

Your USA Cycling membership is more than just a license to race. As a member, you enjoy all of these perks too:

 

• The chance to participate in over 3,000 competitive and non-competitive eventsthat take place year-round at the local, regional, and national levels
• A new and improved national results and rankings system
• The opportunity to race for a national title at one of 17 USA Cycling National Championship events in 2012!
• Access to over 2,600 cycling clubs and 34 Local Associations to guide you and answer questions about cycling in your area
• Qualityinsurance coverage in case you’re injured at a USA Cycling-sanctioned event
• Great benefits from our Member Benefits Providers, including discounts on gear, accessories, training tools, travel and much more.
• Access to USA Cycling’s athlete development programs that provide opportunities at training camps and eventually, international racing, World Championships and the Olympic Games!

When you renew, make sure to update your account information with your current team and contact information. And, if your club hasn’t yet renewed their membership for 2012, remind your club to do that so you can be sure to associate with the correct club when you renew your license. This is how USA Cycling’s online services ensure accurate registration, results, and ranking information!

 

Spread the Cheer - Support your Sport

The ability of our young athletes to successfully transition from domestic to Olympic-level competition hinges on the funding provided by supporters of the USA Cycling Development Foundation. Our international success continues thanks in large part to the consistent annual giving of our Foundation donors - I encourage you to consider supporting the future of American cycling and donating via the Foundation website at www.usacdf.org.

USA Cycling unveils Race Director Certification Program & License

USA Cycling is excited to announce plans for its new Race Director Certification program and race director license. The initiative, which begins roll-out in 2012, will offer certification, continuing education opportunities and licenses to race directors in an effort to define and recognize this important sector of our membership and strengthen overall race quality.

Until now, race directors only had the option of using club affiliation to sanction events with USA Cycling. With the new race director license, professional race directors now have the option to permit events without club affiliation at the same license cost. Clubs will still be able to put on events as they have in the past.Groups organizing a bike race in 2012 do NOT need a race director license in addition to a club license, only one or the other.

With race director certification, race directors will be able to tout training, professionalism and expertise when meeting with government officials and other event constituents. Through the race director’s association, professional race directors will automatically have an environment in which to share best practices. They’ll also enjoy professional development opportunities, specialized training and discounted permit fees. The licensed race directors will also be able to run for and vote for specific race director positions on the various USA Cycling Sport Committees.

“The race director certification program is important because it provides new and veteran race directors with a source of information dedicated to bike racing events and a platform to share best practices to help raise the overall quality of their event,” commented USA Cycling’s Race Director Certification Manager, Tara McCarthy.

USA Cycling will begin rolling out the new program over a two-year period beginning in 2012 with the new race director license available for the same price as a club license beginning immediately. Subsequently the race directors association will be formalized and Level C curriculum will be offered for online race director certification. Level B and National/International level curriculum will be offered by the end of the year.

Beginning in 2013, race director certification classes will be held in various locations around the U.S. and as the program grows certification Level B will be required for top-tier calendar race directors. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will then be required for race directors to maintain certification.

What the new program means for USA Cycling clubs
The new race director license does not take away a club’s ability to sanction events with USA Cycling. It simply offers another option for professional race directors. Clubs can still sanction events as they always have.

Who should purchase a race director license?
Any individual who is interested only in permitting events, races (competitive and non-competitive) and fun rides, with USA Cycling and has no other need for the traditional Club affiliation.

How to purchase a race director license and set up a race director organization
While renewing or purchasing your 2012 license through your secure ‘My USA Cycling” account, click on "License Info," and then "Purchase New License" - you'll find the Race Director License under “Support License Purchase."

If you currently have a club for the sole purpose of sanctioning events, you now have the option to change your club to a Race Director Organization (RDO).  If you would like to make that change, or if you would like to set up a new RDO, pleasecontact your USA Cycling Member Service Representative(MSR) for assistance.

Each RDO will come with one complimentary race director license assigned to an individual. To link additional race director licenses to your organization, individuals or your RDO can purchase the additional licenses. Please visit USA Cycling’s Race Director page for FAQs and opportunities for race directors.