Applications Accepted for 2008 U.S. Armed Forces Cycling Team
Announcement Date: 13 August 2007
Application Deadline: 30 September 2007

Applications are now being accepted for the 2008 U.S. Armed Forces Cycling Team. The application deadline is 30 September 2007.  U.S. Armed Forces Cycling Team members will represent the U.S. Armed Forces in local, regional, national and international events throughout the 2008 season. Selections may 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.  Category two men with pending upgrade requests or who have special military circumstances (i.e. stationed OCONUS or partial-season deployment) may also apply but should contact the team manager immediately for processing of category one upgrade request. 

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 skills and ability support the team leader(s) in top-level elite races will be given the highest consideration.  Team members are expected to compete in a regular schedule of local, regional and national races.

Schedules for major national and international events have not yet been released but team plans include the U.S. Elite National Championships and the Military World Championships (CISM).  A February training camp is also in tentative planning stages.  All team members are expected to attend these events.  Specific dates will be provided once announced by race directors and governing bodies.

Financial support is at the discretion of each service branch sports office.  Remaining support, to the extent possible, will be given to the athletes through corporate sponsorship. Expenses beyond this will be borne by the athlete.

Each service branch has a different procedure for sports applications. All can be found online:
ARMED FORCES SPORTS http://www.armedforcessports.com
AIR FORCE SPORTS: http://www.usafsports.com
COAST GUARD SPORTS: http://www.uscg.mil/mwr/Armed%20Forces%20Sports%20Homepage.htm
ARMY SPORTS: http://www.armymwr.com/portal/recreation/sportsandfitness/application/
NAVY SPORTS: http://mwr.navy.mil/mwrprgms/sports.htm
MARINE SPORTS: http://www.usmc-mccs.org/sports/hf/index.cfm

Every service sports application, regardless of service branch, must be accompanied by a "U.S. Armed Forces Cycling Standard Application Form."  Download the form at: http://www.armedforcescycling.org/team/08TeamApplication.xls. Email a completed copy of this form to the team manager (debra.ponzio@sembach.af.mil) and also include it with your service sports application. Applications will not be considered until approved by the appropriate service branch sports office.

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