Greetings to the Colorado cycling community!
This is a verbatim communication from Bicycle Colorado published on January 23rd, 2023
Colorado Cycling (aka CCO, formerly the Bicycle Racing Association of Colorado (BRAC)) officially closed its doors on December 31. The role played by CCO has been assumed by Bicycle Colorado (BC). We know that some of you have questions about what the future holds and we thank you for your patience and support during this time of transition.
Our vision is that Bicycle Colorado will be the premier resource for all stakeholders involved in organized bicycling events in Colorado.
Over the past year, our team has been talking with the cycling community about ways we can support the success of organized bike events (competitive and non-competitive across all disciplines), clubs, and the thousands of riders who participate in cycling events. We are working from a long list of ideas that were shared with us to support bicycling events! A top priority is restructuring the annual membership model and the relationship with USA Cycling. Knowing that the 2023 season is just around the corner, we aim to announce membership options within two weeks.
We are also focused on event marketing and promotion, investing in the Race Kit (event equipment and consumables), lowering the barriers to entry for athletes new to the sport, event advocacy, event operating standards, sharing of best practices through symposiums and summits, coordination and scheduling for officials, improving processes for data transfer, securing permits, and building sustainable partnerships with other organizations.
Save the Date
Before we move into the 2023 season, we have an important piece of business to wrap up from 2022—the Road Cup and Cross Cup Awards Party! This year we will also honor several people who made significant contributions to the Colorado racing community in the last decades. Please join us on February 11 from 3-7 p.m. at The Pros Closet (1900 Taylor Avenue Louisville CO 80027) for a tour of their incredible facility, shopping with a special discount, a raffle for unique items, drinks, food, and awards. Please RSVP here.
The Calendar
Please see the Bicycle Colorado Event Calendar, which is loaded with time trials, criteriums, road racing, mountain bike and gravel events. We’ll be able to publish detailed race flyers soon, and more events are being added regularly, so check for updates!
Meet the Team
It’s time for some introductions and re-introductions. On January 3, former CCO Executive Director Chris McGee joined Bicycle Colorado as the Events Program Manager. In this role, Chris will manage the transition to bring the racing community under the BC umbrella. “This is an incredible opportunity for bicycle racing in our state and the sport as a whole,” said Chris. “With the support of Bicycle Colorado, we have the ability to support and grow bicycle racing in ways that were simply not possible as a small, stand-alone organization. Our goal, which is shared by USA Cycling, is to provide a blueprint for local racing that can be replicated across the country.”
Yvonne van Gent is one of the most important figures in the history of Colorado bike racing. For the last 40+ years, Yvonne has been the glue that holds together the thousands of details that ensures bike races are safe and run smoothly. We are proud to announce that Yvonne has agreed to continue her support in 2023. She and Chris were a great team at BRAC/CCO and will continue this relationship at BC. “I truly love our racing community and look forward to building a new future with BC,” said Yvonne. “It is exciting to see all the new faces, ideas, and energy!”
The Way Forward
For over thirty years, with the support of over 10,000 members, BC has worked tirelessly to make bicycling safe and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. As we assume the responsibilities of CCO and strive to enhance the support provided to organized bike events, we are excited to connect with riders like you (if we are not connected already!) to grow and strengthen our bike advocacy community. We’re excited for you to join us in increasing our reach and impact as we continue to influence statewide policies and decisions that affect your Colorado cycling experience.
This year marks a time of significant change and opportunity for our great sport. We want to thank all of our major stakeholders—event directors, athletes, officials, sponsors, partners, volunteers, board leadership, the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Cycling Club, and USA Cycling—for your past support and confidence in our future.
We look forward to seeing you at cycling events in 2023!
Yours in cycling,
The Team at Bicycle Colorado
If you have feedback or questions on Bicycle Colorado’s Event Support Program, please contact:
Chris McGee, Event Support Program Manager
Phone: 303-223-4170
Email: chris.m@bicyclecolorado.org
Yvonne van Gent, Event Support Operations Coordinator
Phone: 303-757-1892
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