Get a Bike, Ride a Bike, Race a Bike

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Track Star, Alissa Maglaty(Image credit: Veronika Lenzi)

The US Women’s Cycling Development Program has had the honor to work with some amazing young athletes as they went from “unknowns” to the top level of women’s cycling in short periods of time.

We have made substantial efforts to scout and assist talented riders but in reality it is the clubs, bike shops, parents, schools, colleges and races such as the Nature Valley Grand Prix and their Nature Valley Pro Ride that do the greatest work. When you see those women athletes in Stars and Stripes racing in Europe, know that there was someone that recognized the talent and nurtured those athletes so that they could go forward with their athletic dreams.

I could not resist capturing the momentum of this amazing series by starting a bike racing team, a place for women to keep the fire burning that they ignited with the Early Bird Series. I've been following women's racing for years, and there's been a little lull in the area of development, so to speak. Now, we're on the attack! In 2009, we had 15 riders, for 2010, we've got 21 riders. Please join us in support of developing women bike racers.

The idea behind Early Bird Women's Team is to fill a niche. The niche being among women of course, but beginning women, women who have never had a road racing license before, and more specifically, women who have already decided they want to race their bikes. It's a deep group, one that can hold talent, experience, and optimistic enthusiasm toward each other, as each rider in the group develops toward whatever level they choose. We want a variety of ages, as well as cultural backgrounds too.

By the end of the first year we had 15 riders, with a mix of ages, backgrounds and experience with cycling. Now, we are rolling into our second season. For 2010 we opened our arms to junior racers. We currently have 21 women, 13 under 30 (two of whom are Junior racers, already succeeding in local events), and eight women over age 30. We have six women from underrepresented cultural backgrounds, as well. Why is this important? The team is a better representation of our wider non-cycling community this way. There's a real world dynamic on the team with this kind of mix.

Laurel Green (42): Director, elite amateur racer, Physical Education teacher, coaching athletes since 1991; women's collegiate rowing, high school girls swimming, and cycling. Educational background: BA in Psychology with minor in Physical Education and Sports Psychology from University of California-Davis, and a BS in Kinesiology, with a Teaching Certificate in Physical Education from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Laurel has been a Wenzel Coach since 2006, and a bike racer since 1994. She loves to help develop riders to their potential.

With the support of our enthusiastic sponsors, I see many good things coming with our development. We have support rolling in, and we expect there to be more. Thank you so much to our 2010 sponsors, whose support helps us fulfill our mission. A huge thank you to our generous, friendly, supportive sponsors: AutoBody Express, Bicisport Bike Shop, Clif Bar, EBA Engineering, Eleven Gear, John Fleckenstein, K2BCreative Photography, Michael Engleman and USWCDP, Oakley, Richard Stone, Rudy Project, San Jose Trek Store, Sensor Pro Marketing, 2Wheelsport, Tone Fitness Studio, West County Revolution Bike Shop, Wenzel Coaching, and Wright's Chiropractic. You may learn more about our team by visiting www.earlybirdwomen.com

Over the years, I have learned that good leaders see to it that things go well, they are thinking about the group as a whole, and about each individual, so that things can continue to go well, and develop. Our team leads from within. We have a unique bunch of women, who will continue to thrive as they lead each other and themselves to greater heights. How does that saying go? "The country is full of good coaches. What it takes to win is a bunch of interested players."

The objective is being reached: to bring experience, enthusiasm, youth, diversity and female all to the same table, on the same team. The sponsors we attract value a committed group of women who want to develop themselves toward their potential, as well as serve our community by acting as role models in athletics and life. There's a place here for developing riders who may become Olympians, competitive Elite Amateurs, and simply become bigger and better than they've ever been. As we build the team, the priority will remain the same: To foster the development of female bike racers with bike handling, racing skills, training plans, nutrition education, and racing strategy and tactics education. With a focus on development, our mission is to bring out the best in every rider.

Follow the program's young female cyclists as they embark on their journey to the top of the pro ranks

The US Women's Cycling Development program was founded by former pro rider, Michael Engleman, as a way to help promising young women cyclists reach their full potential as athletes.

The dedicated and well spoken women of this program provide thoughtful, compelling and sometimes hilarious anecdotes of their experiences in this diary. For further reading about the program, visit the USWCDP website.