VeloHeitz is the vision of Michael Heitz, Director Sportif and USA Cycling Level 1 Coach.
VeloHeitz is committed to providing junior cyclists with the instruction and motivation needed to compete in the demanding sport of cycling. In addition to connecting athletes to Mike’s coaching clinics, bike-fittings, and his USA Cycling events, VeloHeitz is also a resource for tips and recommendations from this cycling veteran, proven by champions.
What’s a Level 1 Coach?
The USA Cycling coaching education philosophy is that coaching encompasses more than merely writing a training program that tells the athlete how far to ride, how fast and how often. Coaching involves developing the whole cyclist including teaching skills, strategy and tactics, etc.
The Level 1 coach is the highest level of certification. The Level 1 coach is considered by USA Cycling capable of taking teams to international competitions to represent the United States or USA Cycling.
About Michael Heitz
I have been racing for over 25 years and am convinced of the life long lessons and joy that cycling can bring to one’s life. I have been coaching for over fourteen years and do so to share my passion for this great sport with others. Much of my focus is on developing Junior athletes to help lead them on a path towards excellence.
My coaching career began when the Southwest Texas State University Cycling Team recruited me fourteen years ago. Here is where I developed my coaching skills along side Bill Edwards Ph.D.; as well as worked with and assisted many of the experts of cycling, which included: Chris Carmichael, Mike Neel, George Mount, Clark Natwick, Danny Van Haute, Michael Carter, Barney King.
I have perfected my coaching techniques over the years at the Olympic Training Centers in Colorado Springs and San Diego.
I am the former Coach and Director of the Community Olympic Development Program in San Antonio, Texas. The CODP Cycling Program’s designation was a result of my dedication to the grassroots cycling program, Dreams for Youth, which was established by the San Antonio Sports Foundation in 1996.
In 2005, the Rocky Mountain Cycling Education Foundation recruited me for the Athletic Program Director position. This opportunity allowed me to surround myself with some of Colorado’s premiere Coaches and Junior/U23 Athletes. I have directed several Junior Teams to prepare and compete at NRC, USAC Junior Nationals, and UCI Junior Super World Cup events. My tremendous success as a coach has fostered several Junior National Road, Time Trial, Criterium Champions, and UCI Stage winners.
Currently, I work closely with Benjamin Sharp, the Junior Endurance Program Manager, at USA Cycling. Over the last nine years, l have been contracted through USA Cycling to Coach and Manage at Regional and National Junior / U23 Development Road Camps. I am actively involved with the development of the curriculum for the USA Cycling Level ll Coach’s certification program, specializing in bike handling skills.
Michael lives in beautiful Colorado with his wife, Traci. Other very lovable members of his family are pictured as well.
