From: johnr@col.hp.com (John T. Rasper)
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.racing
Subject: USCF Release - National Cup Series
Date: 26 Jan 93 16:21:16 GMT
Article-I.D.: hp-col.1k3odsINN2q6
Organization: HP Colorado Springs Division
NNTP-Posting-Host: hplsdvf.col.hp.com

For Immediate Release - January 20, 1993
Contact:  Steve Penny or Woody Franklin - 719/578-4581

National Cup Series to identify Elite Cyclists

	The United States Cycling Federation (USCF) is proud to announce
the formation of the National Cup Series, America's most prestigious
Pro-Am cycling series.  The 1993 National Cup Series (NCS) will consist
of a series of 12 races, beginning March 13 with the Ocala Race Series
in Ocala, Fla., and continuing through late September, concluding with
the Colorado Cyclist National Cup Final in Manitou Springs, Colo., on
September 25.
	Overall prize money will be awarded to series winners in the
professional and amateur men's categories, and also women.  The final
prize list has yet to be completed, but will be at least $15,000.
	"We are very excited about the creation of this series,"
comments Jerry Lace, USCF Executive Director.  "The sport of cycling
continues to grow, and we feel that the National Cup Series has been
developed to foster even greater growth."
	"This series will not only serve as a means of generating greater
exposure for the sport," Lace continued.  "But will also contribute to
the development structure for our elite athletes."

	The schedule and race promoter for the 1993 National Cup Series
is as follows:

March 13 - Ocala Race Series; Ocala Fla.
One-Day Classic
Christopher Bald
904/732-5042
March 27 - Visalia Cycling Classic; Visalia, Calif.
One-Day Classic
Martin Clevenger/Michael Camarena
209/782-8210
April 21-25 - Vuelta de Bisbee; Bisbee, Ariz.
Stage Race
Stephen Desens
602/432-5795
April 29 - Chesapeake Road Cycling Classic; Tidewater, Va.
One-Day Classic
Tidewater Cycling Club
804/547-7905
May 1-2 - 89r Stage Race; Norman, Okla.
Stage Race
Fred Karcher
405/364-5513
May 20-23 - Mike Nields Memorial Stage Race; Boulder, Colo.
Stage Race
Fred Owen
303/221-1477
June 6 - Stowe Bike Race; Stowe, Vt.
One-Day Classic
Barb Nash
802/253-4368
June 11-12 - National Cycling Championships; Columbus, Ohio
One-Day Classic
Tim Tyler
614/890-4145
July 2-5 - Fitchburg Longsjo Stage Race; Fitchburg, Mass.
Stage Race
Mark Riordan
617/956-3281
September 2-6 - Killington Stage Race; Killington, Vt.
Stage Race
Mauricio Puente
800/446-7223
September 19 - Al Stern Road Race; Herscher, Ill.
One-Day Classic
Lee Thoresen
708/672-9066
September 25 - Colorado Cyclist National Cup Final; 
Manitou Springs, Colo.
One-Day Classic
Fred Veitch
719/633-4500

	The NCS was created as a means of identifying elite talent for
the U.S. Cycling Team program and to improve the quality of racing in
the United States.  Races included in the series were selected based on
their willingness to create events which match that of European standards,
traditionally considered more demanding than in the U.S., except for
women.  The series is divided between seven one-day classics and five
stage races.
	Consideration will be given to professionals and category 1 and 2
men and women for the overall series title.  Anyone who competes in at
least 3 one-day classics, 3 stage races and the NCS Final will be eligible
to win the overall title.  Points will be awarded based on the finishing
place, and the cyclist with the most points at the end of the season will
be the winner.
	"This race series will definitely aid in the selection of athletes
for the national team program," added Chris Carmichael, Director of
Athlete and Coaching Programs for the USCF.  "The top finishers will
have proven to be fit and capable for international competition.  We hope
that this series allows certain individuals an opportunity for exposure
that may not have previously been available."
	Adding to the credibility of the series is the automatic selection
to the 1994 National Team for the top three finishers in the amateur men
and women's categories.  Fourth through tenth place finishers will be
placed on the 1994 Senior Regional Team, with eleventh through fiftieth
being invited to Olympic Training Center selection camps.
	The 1993 National Cycling Championships road race will also be
included in the NCS.  While all category one riders are eligible for the
national championship road race, only the top 10 category two riders
following the Mike Nields Memorial Stage Race on May 20-23, will be
eligible.  These riders will be upgraded to category one prior to the
national championships.
	A teleconference call is scheduled for Thursday, January 21 at
11:00am Mountain Standard Time/1:00pm Eastern.  Please call Steve Penny
at 719-578-4581 to obtain the number necessary to participate in the
conference call.
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.racing