The Olympics are kicking off in Tokyo in just over a month and USA Cycling has finalized the road, BMX racing and freestyle, track, and mountain bike teams.
Though the Olympics have been thrown through a loop like everyone else in the world over the past year, Jim Miller, USAC’s Cycling Chief of Sport Performance is optimistic.
“We have used the extra year with the goal to come to the Games even stronger and more prepared, and I believe we have done just that. We are bringing a medal capable team in all disciplines and it will show this summer in Tokyo.”
USAC chose the road, mountain bike and track teams from the Olympic Long Teams that were nominated in June 2020. The women’s MTB team has two automatic nominations. Kate Courtney qualified by placing 5th at the 2019 UCI World Champs in Mont-Sainte-Anne and Haley Batten recently qualified with a 2nd place result in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic just a few weeks ago.
In addition, Chloe Woodruff has been selected for the women’s team. Christopher Blevins will have the lone men’s position on the US team.
Mountain Bike
- Christopher Blevins (Durango, Colo.; Trinity Racing)
- Haley Batten (Park City, Utah; Trinity Racing)
- Kate Courtney (Kentfield, Calif.; SCOTT-SRAM Factory Racing)
- Chloe Woodruff (Tucson, Ariz.; Stanz-Pivot)
But what will they be wearing??
The US athletes representing their country at the world’s premiere competition will be wearing apparel by USAC’s partner, Boulder, Colorado based CUORE of Switzerland.
The two partnered in April and have a five-year agreement that will see them through these Olympics and Paris 2024. USAC says that they and USAC wanted to design a kit similar to the iconic USA Cycling National Team kit, “but used a white base to create a unique look for the Olympic Games.”
The kit allows aerodynamic efficiency, heat regulation, and is said to have a great fit and comfort and should perform well in the “extreme temperatures that the Japanese summer can present.”
The road and MTB team kits will have a highly breathable and antimicrobial chamois with a seamless leg gripper, and the teams will have full-zip, two-in-one suits with two back pockets for snacks or gels.
The Olympics kick off July 23 – August 8. Stay tuned for more updates.
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