USA Cycling Announces 2016-2017 Amateur Road National Championships Coming to Louisville
Competition Will Attract 1,000 Youth Cyclists to Louisville Each Year
Louisville, Ky., – October 16, 2015 – USA Cycling announced today that it has selected Louisville to host the 2016 and 2017 Amateur Road National Championships for men’s and women’s 9-23 divisions as well as the men’s Open Category 1 division.
The competition is comprised of a time trial, road race and criterium that will be held over four days at three different locations spanning late June and early July. In 2016, the time trial will be held June 30 in Taylorsville; the road race will be held July 1-2 at Cherokee Park; and the criterium will be held July 3 at Norton Commons. Approximately 1,000 athletes are expected to participate in the Road Nationals in 2016.
“Louisville is recognized nationally and internationally as a vibrant cycling community, and the 2016 and 2017 USA Cycling Amateur Road Nationals will add to our rich history of hosting championship cycling competition,” said Karl Schmitt, president and CEO of the Louisville Sports Commission. “We’re especially pleased to host the under 23 age group championships because we are home to several strong teams and rising stars in those age brackets. Additionally, the positive exposure generated by championship competition often helps deliver the message to the youth of our community – and their parents – that participating in sports is a good way to develop healthy habits.”
Louisville hosted the USA Cycling Master’s National Road Championship in 2003, 2008, 2009 and 2010; the UCI Elite Cyclocross Championships in 2013 and the UCI Masters Cyclocross World Championships in 2012 and 2013; and the UCI World BMX Championships in 2001.
“We are excited to bring our Amateur Road National Championship to Louisville in 2016 and 2017,” said Micah Rice, USA Cycling vice president of national events. “With its strong local cycling community and experienced local host committee, Louisville is a great partner city for USA Cycling. The Louisville Sports Commission, Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau and Louisville Metro Parks have a proven track record in helping execute championship events.”
Local cycling teams with powerhouse youth programs include Red Zone and Papa John’s. Local riders who have made the podium at USA Cycling Road Nationals and who are likely to participate in national championships in 2016 include Will Bobrow, defending champion in the time trials for ages 13 to 14; Ruben Bacon, fourth in the 2015 time trials for age 15 to 16; and Ian McShane, who was a national champion and fourth-place finisher in time trials at various age levels.