From: johnr@col.hp.com (John T. Rasper)
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.racing
Subject: USCF Release - Carmichael changes position
Date: 17 Dec 1992 05:04:21 GMT
Organization: HP Colorado Springs Division
NNTP-Posting-Host: hplsdvf.col.hp.com

For Immediate Release - December 14, 1992
Contact:  Steve Penny or Woody Franklin - 719/ 578-4581

Chris Carmichael promoted to Director of Athlete and 
Coaching Programs

	Chris Carmichael, who has served as the men's national team road
coach since 1990 and was a member of the 1984 Olympic Team, has been promoted
to the position of Director of Athlete and Coaching Programs for the United
States Cycling Federation (USCF). Carmichael, originally from Miami, Fla.,
will be responsible for the development of cyclists and cycling coaches in
America. His responsibilities will include overseeing the junior national
team program, developing the regional coaching structure, and the creation of
grass-roots opportunities for athletes in the sport of cycling.

"I am very excited about this opportunity," says Carmichael. "I am looking
forward to expanding on the coaching philosophies I have developed by working
with the national team over the past three years."

Carmichael will oversee the transition of his departure from the men's
national road team, and have some involvement in that program for 1993.
Jiri Mainus, the National Teams Director, will also assist with the men's
road team.

"The men's road team has been very special to me," continued Carmichael, who
has been involved in cycling since the age of twelve. "It has given me a
chance to remain competitive in the sport even though I am not riding anymore.
I look forward to participating with that program on a limited basis."

Carmichael envisions the development of a step-ladder organization of coaches
in the U.S. He feels there should be consistency from the bottom to the top
of the coaching pool, which will aid in the development of athletes.

"Right now, the pool of coaches in America is very small," comments
Carmichael. "I want to improve the training our coaches receive, and help
our best coaches gain more opportunities to work with elite riders."

"The selection of a coach is sometimes very confusing for an athlete," he
adds.  "By developing a more consistent information base for coaches, athletes
will be able to achieve plateaus in the sport with more regularity, and as
they progress, they will bring a better foundation of knowledge to the next
level."

Carmichael continues, "One of my biggest frustrations as a national team coach
has been the need to teach athletes things that they should have already
learned previously. By giving more coaches exposure to the national level, we
can better prepare our athletes for what to expect upon reaching the most
elite level available. This will enhance their experience and improve their
results where the pressure is greatest."

"My hope is that we can develop a complete coaching base for the sport of
cycling," Carmichael concludes. "An athlete should have the opportunity to
advance onto more experienced coaching as they develop in their career. By
developing consistency in the instruction a cyclist receives, and by offering
more opportunities to the coaches we will dramatically improve the number of
quality cyclists and hopefully bring more athletes into the sport."

As a result of the reorganization and the reassignment of coaching duties, the
position of junior national team coach no longer exists. Rene Wenzel, the
junior coach since February of 1990, has been dismissed from his
 responsibilities.

Concerning these recent developments, a teleconference will occur on Thursday,
December 17, 1992, to discuss changes in the USCF and the current direction
of the athlete and coaches programs. Through American Teleconferencing of
Colorado Springs, the call will feature Chris Carmichael and Steve Penny,
USCF Media & Public Relations Director. The call will take place at
10:00 a.m./Mountain Standard Time, 12:00 p.m./Eastern Standard Time. Interested
parties should contact Woody Franklin at 719/578-4581 for the phone number
and further instructions.

For more information on the USCF, contact Steve Penny or Woody Franklin
at 719/ 578-4581.