Applications Accepted for 2006 U.S. Armed Forces Cycling Team
5 Dec 05

Applications are now being accepted for the 2006 U.S. Armed Forces Cycling Team. The application deadline is December 22.

U.S. Armed Forces Cycling Team members will be licensed as, and will represent, the "U.S. Armed Forces" in local, regional, national and international events throughout 2006. Selections will include up to ten men and up to four women.

All candidates must be active duty military, guard, or reserve. Men must hold a USA Cycling (USAC) category one license, while women must hold, at a minimum, a USAC category two license. Cyclists must possess and maintain a USAC International Racing License and meet all eligibility requirements of USAC, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), and CISM. Selection will be by resume and will consider: potential of top performances in elite category races, history of strong teamwork, history of performance at the national and international level with priority given to recent performance that shows a trend of continued improvement, the balancing of individual specialties (time trial, climbing, sprinting) to create a well-balanced team capable of competing in a variety of race types. Team members will be expected to compete in a regular schedule of local, regional and national races.

This team is financially supported by the services to participate in two team trips -- the International Military Cycling Championships (CISM) and a program designated as the qualifer/selection races for the CISM Team. Remaining support, to the extent possible, will be given to the athletes through corporate sponsorship. Expenses beyond this will be borne by the athlete.

Projected Mandatory Schedule (schedule may change slightly based upon national and international schedule changes)
22 May Travel to Somerville New Jersey
23-29 May Train and compete in Tour of Somerville and associated events (this are considered the CISM qualifier and selection events)
30 May Return travel
For athletes selected to represent the U.S. at the Military World Championships (CISM):
13 Jul Arrive Germany
14-21 Jul Acclimate, prepare equipment, train and participate in local training races
22-28 Jul Military World Championships hosted by The Netherlands
29 Jul Return travel from The Netherlands to Germany
30 Jul Return travel to home bases

Each service branch has a different procedure for sports applications. The procedure for each branch is listed below. Every service sports application, regardless of service branch, must be accompanied by a "U.S. Armed Forces Cycling Standard Application Form". Email a completed copy of this form to the team manager and also include it with your service sports application. Applications will not be considered until they are approved by your service branch sports office.

To find application information and procedures for your specific service branch:
FOR AIR FORCE ATHLETES: http://www.usafsports.com
FOR COAST GUARD ATHLETES: http://www.uscg.mil/mwr/Armed%20Forces%20Sports%20Homepage.htm
FOR ARMY ATHLETES: http://www.armymwr.com/portal/recreation/sportsandfitness/application/
FOR NAVY ATHLETES: http://mwr.navy.mil/mwrprgms/sports.htm
FOR MARINE ATHLETES: http://www.usmc-mccs.org/sports/hf/index.cfm

Any eligible candidate who is having difficulty meeting the application deadline due to duty requirements should contact both their service sports representative and team manager Debra Ponzio immediately. We want to be sure we are selecting from the "best of the best" military cyclists for this team.

The US Armed Forces Cycling Team requires a qualified bicycle mechanic and soigneur. For further information on required qualifications, and position duties for these two positions contact Debra Ponzio, debra.ponzio@sembach.af.mil.