VeloHeitz

USA Cycling Camp Manager’s Annual Meeting

The USA Cycling Camp Manager’s meeting is scheduled for January 30-February 1, 2009. We’re still trying to determine the location… I think most of us are hoping for Phoenix again. The USA Cycling Junior Endurance Program Manager, Benjamin Sharp will sit down with 14 Regional Development Camp Managers to review the 2008 cycling season programs, camps, races and athlete data. In the past, this meeting of minds has been a very successful opportunity to share info, leading to standardized agenda being induced into the Regional Camp Model. The 08 USAC Camps saw some 350 riders attending. Both (Lubbock and Flagstaff) Regional camps that I coached at produced Junior National Champions.

The up coming USAC Camp Manager’s will be a time for us to gather data and iron out some final details for the fast approaching 2009 cycling season. Some key issues on the table will be introducing a couple new Camp Managers to the program, setting dates for the Regional Camps, determining qualifying races for selection to the National Team and Worlds Team consideration. I will be very excited to discuss two paramount issues, the 09 UCI Tour de l’Abitibi will be strictly a Nations Cup event (meaning only National Teams participate) and the USA will host a major UCI Junior event. The Tour of the Red River Gorge will be rated a 2.1 by the UCI, similar to the Tour de l’Abitibi. This UCI event will be a great opportunity for many more deserving junior riders to get an International experience in our back yard without the stresses of International travel and expenses.