Skip to content

U.S. Paralympics Cycling Program Joins USA Cycling

Share:

by Angelina Palermo

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Following the celebration of Olympic & Paralympic Day, USA Cycling and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) are proud to announce that the U.S. Paralympics Cycling program will officially become part of USA Cycling beginning on July 1, 2025. 

 

Up to now, USA Cycling and U.S. Paralympics Cycling were operating as two separate entities, collaborating on select initiatives while independently pursuing World, Olympic, and Paralympic medals. After careful consideration, key stakeholders from both organizations agreed that bringing together these two high-performing programs would strengthen support for current and future generations of athletes and maximize performance across all cycling disciplines.

 

This move is fueled by a shared belief: integrating Paralympic and Olympic programs within a single National Governing Body creates the best pathway for sustained long-term success. Bringing all Olympic and Paralympic cycling operations together will enhance athlete support, streamline resources, and drive innovation across every discipline.

 

“This is a historic milestone for cycling in the United States,” said Brendan Quirk, CEO of USA Cycling. “By uniting our Olympic and Paralympic programs, we are building a stronger, more inclusive foundation, giving athletes the same world-class support and resources. We’ll be one team moving forward together towards our ambitions at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games.”

 

USA Cycling will officially welcome the U.S. Paralympic National Team into its high-performance programs, creating unified athlete support through all stages of athletic development and preparing them for international competition. 

 

“By fully integrating para-cycling into USA Cycling’s national and development programs, we are paving the way for extraordinary growth and opportunity for current and future generations of Team USA athletes,” said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. “We are thankful to USA Cycling for their passion and commitment to this unified approach, which unlocks unparalleled resources, training, and support, empowering para-cyclists to excel and represent Team USA for years to come.”

 

As part of its long-term vision, USA Cycling is committed to building a stronger foundation for para-cycling athletes by expanding racing opportunities at both the grassroots and elite levels. With an existing network of 1,500+ events and 1,000+ clubs, the organization is looking forward to creating new opportunities for participation and advancement for para athletes across the U.S.

 

For many para athletes, this step forward is more than just an organizational shift – it’s a powerful statement of inclusion and recognition.

 

“Paralympic cycling events have already been incorporated into a small number of USA Cycling competitions, but now, with the announcement of the full integration of USA Cycling, this marks a major step forward to make this sport of cycling truly inclusive as one team,” said 19-time Paralympic medalist Oksana Masters. “This move sets a new standard for the sport – one that embraces all athletes and truly reflects the spirit of unity and excellence. Here’s to more access, representation and momentum in cycling!”

 

Paralympic gold medalist and world champion Samantha Bosco, is also excited about the future. “Moving under USA Cycling feels like gaining an extended family you instantly love,” said Bosco. “Being able to join our able-bodied counterparts is something I’ve always dreamed about. The USOPC has been amazing. Knowing the support we’ll have with USA Cycling makes me excited for the future of para-cycling in the U.S., and what LA28 could look like for U.S. cycling as a whole.”

 

Three-time Olympian Sarah Hammer-Kroening and Jenny Ryan will continue to lead the charge in shaping the future of para-cycling under the USA Cycling banner. With nearly a decade of experience managing Paralympic sport operations, Ryan will oversee para-cycling operations and athlete pathways. Hammer-Kroening, once recognized as America’s most decorated track cyclist, transitioned into coaching after her retirement in 2017, and has since played a key role on the U.S. Paralympic Cycling staff through two Paralympic Games. Additionally, Steve Donovan will continue his work as the team mechanic at camps and events. 

 

USA Cycling had its most successful Olympic Games in 2024, and is eager to build on that momentum heading into the Los Angeles Games in 2028. Now united under one team, Olympic and Paralympic cyclists are poised to set a new standard for what is possible.

 

Visit USACycling.org for more information on the athletes, events, and membership programs, and follow @USACycling across all channels for the latest on Team USA.   

 

For general para-cycling inquiries, please contact us

 

For media inquiries, contact Angelina Palermo at apalermo@usacycling.org

 

ABOUT USA CYCLING (usacycling.org)

USA Cycling is the national governing body for the sport of cycling and oversees the disciplines of road, track, mountain bike, cyclocross, gravel, BMX, and esports. USA Cycling’s mission is to grow participation and engagement with the sport of bicycle racing and achieve sustained international success across all cycling disciplines. USA Cycling supports cyclists of all levels and abilities, from those just beginning in the sport to international caliber athletes. The organization identifies, develops, and selects cyclists to represent the United States in international competition through the support of youth and interscholastic programs, amateur and grassroots bike racing events, athlete development programs, and operational support for cycling clubs, racing teams, and event organizers. USA Cycling has a membership of 80,000, sanctions over 2,500 events annually, and is a member of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).


Read More#