'Track cycling has a long history of developing some of the country’s top athletes' – USA Cycling goes talent hunting across the athletic spectrum with new funding scheme

USA Cycling has launched a new Youth Track Cycling Development Grant aimed at attracting promising junior athletes into track cycling from a variety of sporting backgrounds. The initiative seeks to build on the success of the Search for Speed talent transfer programme in Southern California by providing financial support to local velodromes, clubs, and coaches. Its primary focus is on young athletes aged 14 to 18, encouraging them to explore track cycling through structured development opportunities and easing barriers to entry. The grant offers two awards of $2,500 each to programmes that demonstrate a clear plan for transitioning junior athletes into track racing and training. Eligible applicants include velodromes, cycling clubs, and USA Cycling-certified coaches who must submit proposals outlining a structured curriculum for rider development. The funding can be used to cover costs such as velodrome access, coaching fees, bike rentals, and educational materials related to track cycling safety and athlete growth. Eric Bennett, USA Cycling’s Director of Membership, emphasised the sport’s long-standing role in nurturing top athletes and highlighted the grant’s goal of creating welcoming entry points for young riders. He also noted the importance of strengthening connections between velodromes, coaches, and the next generation of talent. The programme aims not only to increase youth participation at the grassroots level but also to establish pathways leading to Junior and High School Track National Championships and, ultimately, national team selection. Applications for the Youth Track Cycling Development Grant open on 27 May and close on 10 June, with award notifications expected by 17 June and funds distributed by 1 July. This initiative represents a strategic effort by USA Cycling to diversify and expand the talent pool by reaching athletes from other cycling disciplines and different sports entirely, fostering a broader and more inclusive track cycling community across the United States.