October 31, 2005 – USA Cycling chief executive officer Gerard Bisceglia presented Kozo Shimano, president of Shimano American Corporation, with the USA Cycling Patron of the Year award earlier this month in Los Angeles.

The Patron of the Year Award was established by USA Cycling in 2003 to recognize individuals and organizations annually that have made significant contributions to the success of American Cycling.

“USA Cycling has been fortunate to have as loyal a sponsor as Shimano over the years,” Bisceglia said. “It was our pleasure to honor and acknowledge the Shimano family and corporation in this manner.”

Shimano American Corp. has sponsored the USAC U23 program, the NORBA National Mountain Bike Series and National Championship events for more than 15 years.

“Shimano is proud to work with USAC in areas like young rider development, mechanics’ training, and by providing financial and human resources in support of cycling events nationwide,” Shimano said. “It is an honor to be recognized by USAC for doing what we view as essential to the continued growth of cycling.”

Past winners of the award have included Saturn Automobile Division of General Motors, The U.S. Postal Service, First Union/Wachovia Bank, T-Mobile, BMC Software, Thomas Weisel (of Thomas Weisel Partners), Mick Hellman and Alex Baum.

The award, chosen annually by the CEO of USA Cycling, is a crystal flame from Stueben Glass to signify the Olympic movement.