February 19, 2004 – USA Cycling is proud to announce the debut of the U23 National Mountain Bike Team. The program began as an effort to develop top espoir mountain-bike athletes in preparation for world-class competition. Participants will expand their mental and physiological capabilities through the significant support of the USA Cycling Development Foundation and funding provided by USA Cycling. The ultimate goal of the new U23 Trade Team is to generate gold medal finishes at World Championships, the Pan American Games, and the Olympic Games. “By providing valuable coaching and preparation resources, and exposure to top domestic and international competition,” said Team Director Matt Cramer. “We hope to nurture the development of these athletes to help them become top international competitors.”
The reality of this developmental project is made possible through the assistance and support of sponsors. Specialized will provide road and mountain bike frames, tires, helmets, shoes, gloves, saddles, and water bottle cages. Voler will outfit the team with competition clothing. Shimano will supply road and mountain components. Manitou will equip the squad with suspension forks, while FSA furnishes bars, stems, seat posts, and headsets. “At the end of the day, this important program would not be possible without assistance from our sponsors,” Director of Athletics Steve Johnson commented. “And we are very grateful that some of the top companies in the industry have joined in to support the effort.”
Team members were recognized and selected through regional and national road and mountain bike events, USA Cycling regional and national development camps, and domestic and international results. After a competitive selection process, four talented riders were chosen to take part in the project's first season: John Devine, Alan Obye, Sam Schultz, and Nick Waite.
Devine, from Dixon, Illinois placed fourth in the 2003 overall NORBA rankings. He finished first at Big Bear, second at Snowshoe, and first at Mount Snow. The 18-year-old was a member of the 2003 Junior Road World Championship Team and the 2002 and 2003 Junior Cross-Country World Championship Teams.
Schultz, also a member of the 2003 Junior Cross-Country World Team, came in second in the 2003 NORBA rankings. The 18-year-old from Missoula, Montana placed second at Mount Snow, Schweitzer Mountain, and the National Finals in Durango.
Obye placed 19th in the 2003 Elite Cross-Country NORBA rankings. The 21-year-old Vermont-native rode on the 2003 U23 Cross-Country World Championship Team, and the 2001, 2002, and 2003 U23 Cyclocross World Championship Teams.
Waite of Davis, West Virginia was 15th in the 2003 Elite NORBA rankings and finished 54th in the 2003 World Cup Finals in Austria. The 20-year-old also joined Obye on the U23 Cross-Country World Championship Team.
Training camp took place Jauary 4-11 at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The busy racing schedule begins in March when the team will make its first appearance at the NORBA National Series in Waco, Texas. Also on the agenda for 2004 are the Pan American Championships in April, and the World Championships in September. The squad will also race in Europe with the U23 National Road Team.
“The U23 Mountain Bike program will immerse the most talented young American mountain bikers in the highest levels of competition,” said Johnson. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between our emerging talent and the top tier of the international professional circuit.” Just as the U23 Road Team has aimed to develop top athletes, the U23 Mountain Bike program also endeavors to provide gifted athletes with the resources needed for success.
Sponsors:
Specialized
Voler
Shimano
Manitou
FSA