USA Cycling named Pat McDonough yesterday as its director of athletics effective immediately. McDonough replaces Steve Johnson, who was recently appointed chief executive officer.
The position entails overseeing all the major Olympic disciplines of cycling including road, track, mountain bike and BMX.
McDonough, a silver medalist in the team pursuit at the 1984 Olympic Games, was brought to USA Cycling in 2004 as part of an initiative to revive track cycling in the United States. McDonough has 15 years experience as a velodrome director.
As director of athletics, McDonough will oversee the identification and development of current and future athletes, craft selection procedures for major international events and create, implement and monitor USA cycling programs.
Cycling USA cited some of McDonough's initiatives as the reason for his appointment. He oversaw improved selection procedures, increased the amount of internationally-sanctioned track events in the U.S., introduced performance-based financial incentive programs to athletes, bolstered coaching staff, and helped improve results in international competition.
"I'm thrilled to be given this opportunity to further contribute towards the development and success of American cyclists," said McDonough. "We have some exciting programs in place and will be developing more initiatives designed to improve services to athletes across the board. The success of Americans at the international level is at an all-time high and ultimately our goal is to instill in our athletes that it's not about being the best in the country, it's about being the best in the world."
