USA Cycling Coaching Program

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The USA Cycling Coaching Development and Education program educates and guides coaches in an effort to grow the sport, develop bike racers, and ensure a healthy racing ecosystem.

Brendan Quirk CEU of USA Cycling racing a muddy mountain bike

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COACHING EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT

OUR MISSION

To develop the sport of cycling in the United States at all levels and to achieve sustained international success.

EDUCATION

INTEGRITY

SUPPORT

Like you, we believe coaching is the key to unlocking the full potential of cycling. When you choose to participate in the USA Cycling Coaching Education and Development program, you are not only enhancing your skills but also creating a positive and impactful cycling experience for your athletes that will lead to lasting growth and success.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BECOME A USA CYCLING COACH?


By participating in the USA Cycling Coaching Education and Development Program, coaches can expect a  to receive a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience designed to enhance their coaching skills and knowledge.

The program offers a structured pathway through various certification levels, starting with foundational knowledge at Certified Coach (Level 3) and progressing to Advanced Certification (Level 1).

Throughout the program, coaches will:

  • Learn essential coaching techniques and how to apply them in real-world scenarios.
  • Develop a deep understanding of exercise physiology, psychology, and communication skills to effectively guide athletes.
  • Gain access to cutting-edge educational resources, including CEU courses, live events, and mentorship opportunities to ensure continuous professional development.
  • Receive support and guidance through partnerships with Fast Talk Labs and other leading experts, helping coaches excel at each stage of their career.
  • Equip coaches with a best-in-class education and experience.

Certify with USA Cycling and elevate your athletes’ performance.

Becoming a cycling coach is an exciting and impactful journey, and certification is one of the most important steps to take. That’s why USA Cycling offers a comprehensive, best-in-class experience for coaches like you.

We’ll support you in every step of your coaching career — from building your foundational knowledge to developing advanced skills that empower your athletes to succeed on and off the bike.

BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION

Certification with USA Cycling shows that you adhere to national and international coaching standards, giving you credibility and trust among athletes, clients, teams, and clubs.

Certified coaches gain access to a wealth of resources, including cutting-edge coach development opportunities, continuing education specialization pathways, and tools to stay at the forefront of coaching science and athlete development.

USA Cycling certification opens doors for career growth by connecting you with a network of other certified professionals and opportunities to coach at higher levels, from local clubs to national teams.

As a certified coach, you’ll be equipped to design structured training programs tailored to athletes of all levels, helping them achieve their goals while promoting long-term health and performance.

USA Cycling coaches are eligible for exclusive insurance coverage, providing peace of mind and protection as you train and guide athletes.

USA Cycling provides ongoing support, mentorship, and opportunities for professional development, ensuring that you’re always growing and improving in your coaching journey.

Standardized policies and guidance for coaching Adult and Minor Athletes
 
Credibility and Accountability
 
Access to current best known practices and resources in a constantly evolving safe sport environment

COACH ADVANCEMENT

Getting certified with USA Cycling provides you with expert guidance and resources to enhance your coaching skills every step of the way.

CERTIFY

Level 3 is USA Cycling’s first certification level, and it’s the starting point for anyone interested in coaching cyclists on the road, trail, or track.

How To Get Certified

  1. Create a USA Cycling coach account or log in to your existing account.
  2. Visit “Available courses” and select USA Cycling Level 3. Then enroll in the course.
  3. Follow the process and instructions as outlined in the course.
  4. This online course is housed exclusively at https://learn.usacycling.org/, which is USA Cycling’s Learning Management System (LMS). Please bookmark this for an easy return to login and access your course.
  5. All requirements for the certification are linked through the course, including the required SafeSport Training and Background Checks.

Once the course is complete, please follow the closing instructions on the short wait time before being able to pay for your new coaching certification.

Why Pursue Intermediate Coaching Certification (Level 2)?

As a coach, you know that continuous learning is essential to staying at the top of your game. The Intermediate Coach Certification (Level 2) offers you the opportunity to elevate your coaching skills, gain deeper knowledge, and position yourself as a leader in the cycling coaching community.

Here’s why this Intermediate Coach Certification is a game-changer for your career: 

  • Higher Expertise: This program takes your foundational knowledge to the next level with courses in advanced physiology, training principles, and coach-athlete relations. You’ll be equipped to work with a variety of athletes, helping them achieve their goals and elevate their performance.
  • Hands-On Application: Unlike other online programs, our Level 2 certification includes an in-person capstone clinic where you’ll apply your learning in real-world scenarios. This unique blend of online education and practical experience ensures that you’re not just learning theory—you’re actively developing and refining your coaching skills.
  • Business Growth: Coaching is not just about the athletes—it’s also about building a successful business. Our program provides you with the tools to expand your coaching practice, with courses in business development, digital marketing, and strategic growth. You’ll leave the program ready to attract more clients, increase your revenue, and scale your business.
  • Cutting-Edge Techniques: Stay ahead of the curve with the latest in training methodologies, cross-training strategies, and advanced recovery techniques. You’ll learn how to create innovative, individualized programs that set your athletes up for success—while positioning yourself as a cutting-edge coach in the cycling world.
  • Increased Credibility: Intermediate Coach Certification demonstrates your commitment to professional development and your dedication to becoming the best coach you can be. It sets you apart from the competition and earns you the trust and respect of athletes, peers, and the broader cycling community.Network and Community: The program connects you with other top-tier coaches, creating a professional network that will support you throughout your career. You’ll build relationships with like-minded professionals and become part of a community dedicated to advancing cycling coaching.

Intermediate Coaching Certification does more than enhance your skills—this certification will transform your coaching practice, help grow your business, and make a lasting impact on your athletes’ lives. This certification is your next step toward excellence in coaching and long-term success in your career.

Intermediate Coach License clinic costs vary by location. View the USA Cycling Events Calendar to find an upcoming coach certification events near you.

The USA Cycling Advanced Coach Certification (Level 1) provides coaches with an opportunity to advance research and development in the world of cycling and bike racing.

This course will be conducted through the University of Delaware and will be opened annually for a select group of coach advancement applicants.

Course costs vary. See the USA Cycling Events Calendar for upcoming coach certification courses.

SpecializATION CERTIFICATES

The USA Cycling Coach Development Program offers four key specialization pathways to help coaches deepen their expertise and focus on areas that align with their strengths and interests:

  • ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT: Focus on developing communication, leadership, and athlete relationship management, ensuring coaches can effectively guide and motivate cyclists.
  • TRAINING DESIGN: Equip coaches with the tools to create structured, goal-oriented training plans that cater to athletes of all levels, from beginners to elite performers.
  • PHYSIOLOGY OF TRAINING: Delve into the science of human performance, learning how to optimize training based on principles like adaptation, recovery, and energy systems.
  • BUSINESS SKILLS: Gain essential knowledge for managing and growing a coaching practice, covering topics like marketing, client retention, and financial planning.

These specializations allow coaches to tailor their continuing education to the areas most relevant to their coaching journey while ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the key aspects of cycling coaching.

See Specialization Courses

MAINTAIN LICENSE

CEU Program Overview

Beginning in 2025, coaches at the Certified and Intermediate Certification levels will be required to complete 10 CEUs annually. Advanced Certified* coaches will be required to complete 15 CEUs annually. There are dozens of courses available. See the Fast Talk Labs Course Catalog for USA Cycling coaches.

These CEU requirements achieve four important goals:

  1. We support coaches by providing a growth path to evolve skills.
  2. We ensure that USA Cycling certified coaches offer the best coaching experience for all types of riders.
  3. We show our continued commitment to coaching as we build toward a revamped coaching education program in 2025.
  4. We demonstrate the rigor and quality of your coaching certification.

There’s no substitute for real-world coaching experience, but coaching education is critical to meeting the evolving needs of all types of athletes.
 
*Advanced Certified can also earn CEUs through the USA Cycling Coach Mentorship Program.

Annual Coaching License Maintenance Requirements and Details

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