WORLD CHAMPION MIKE KING NAMED DIRECTOR OF BMX PROGRAMS AT USA CYCLING

“Colorado Springs, Colo. (January 19, 2007)–USA Cycling formally announced today that former BMX World Champion Mike King has been selected to lead American BMX athletes to Beijing as USA Cyclings Director of BMX Programs. In his new role, one of Kings missions will be to develop a top-notch BMX squad to represent the U.S. at the sports Olympic debut next summer. His history as a world-class athlete makes him the ideal candidate to prepare riders who until now havent been exposed to the structured environment of an Olympic sport.”"Were extremely excited to have Mike on board, commented Pat McDonough, director of athletics for USA Cycling. As a former elite athlete himself, Mike has the experience, knowledge and passion for the sport necessary to motivate our BMX athletes and guide them to consistent success. With BMX now on the Olympic program, it was imperative to add someone of Mikes caliber to ensure our athletes receive the same level of service and opportunity that we provide to our athletes in other disciplines.”" One of Kings first tasks since he started with USA Cycling in November was to hold a BMX training camp for thirteen of the nations top BMX riders and to demonstrate what resources are available to them as Olympic-caliber athletes through USA Cycling. It was the first true BMX camp for Americas elite group of BMX athletes, and allowing them to see the resources available to them up close and talk to experienced staff was very rewarding, King explained about the camp which took place last month. King turned pro in 1988 after winning back-to-back amateur BMX national titles. That same year, he became only the third rider in BMX history to win the Pro National title in his rookie year. His BMX accolades include the 1987 Supercross World Title and membership in the BMX Hall of Fame. In 1993, he decided to test his skills on a downhill mountain bike and placed second in his first-ever pro event. King ended that first season atop the podium at the UCI World Championships in Metabief, France and continued to compete at the disciplines highest level for the next decade. Now, aside from racing in a few select events, King is retired from professional competition and looks forward to grooming the next generation of World and Olympic BMX champs. I am very excited to be a part of USA Cycling as we head toward Beijing, King said. I feel confident about our medal chances, which makes this job very rewarding. About USA Cycling Recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling promotes American cycling through its 60,000 members and 2,500 annual events. USA Cycling associations include the BMX Association (BMX), National Off-Road Bicycle Association (mountain bike), U.S. Cycling Federation (road/track), the National Collegiate Cycling Association and the U.S. Professional Racing Organization (professional mens road). For more information visit www.usacycling.org or contact USA Cycling Director of Communications, Andy Lee at 719-866-4867.”