2024 USA Cycling Race Mechanics Clinic

February 19-22, 2024

We're excited to bring back the Race Mechanics Clinic for three full days of training in Oracle, Arizona. You will learn from the some of the most experienced mechanics in the US, as they dive into their specialties and share their experiences throughout the curriculum. At the end of the course, attendees will receive a certificate of completion, a USA Cycling Category 4 Mechanics license, and additional knowledge to increase opportunities to work as a mechanic in the future. Our goal is to give you the personalized attention you need to get the most value out of your time.

THE DETAILS

What: USA Cycling Race Mechanics Clinic

When: February 19-22, 2024

Where: YMCA Triangle Y Ranch Camp, 34434 S Y Camp Rd, Oracle, AZ 85623

Cost: $925

Class Size: Maximum of 60 Students

Registration Deadline: Friday, February 3 at 5pm MT

This clinic would not be possible without the support of Elite Racing Service (ERS), Feedback Sports, and Visit Tucson Sports.

what's included

The total cost of the clinic is $925 which includes:

Clinic instructions by race mechanics with national and international experience.
USA Cycling Category 4 Mechanics license upon successful completion of the course.
Lodging, Meals, and Airport Transportation (if needed)
Lodging and meals provided at YMCA Triangle Y Ranch Camp.
Transportation to/from Tucson International Airport (based on space availability).

MORE INFORMATION

Training will be three full days, with an initial session held on Monday, February 19 at 5 PM.

CORE SUBJECTS

General Overview

• UCI Regulations for Time Trial bikes

• Caravan (driving and protocols)

• The Race Team Mechanic

• Neutral Support Service (including its role with race officials and the caravans)

• Mountain Bike Racing

• Cyclocross Racing

• Mass-start Centuries and Fondos

• Rise of Gravel

• Para-cycling

CORE PRACTICES

Core skills that any race mechanic must understand and perform to race standards.

• Modern Race Technologies (electronic shifting, disc brakes, tubular/tubeless)

• Flat Tires, Wheel Swap, and Bike Swaps (road races, criterium and cyclo-cross)

• Professionally Bicycle Washing and Inspection

• The Business of Neutral Service (programs, equipment, insurance, sponsors + staff)

INSTRUCTORS

• Mark Niemiec

• Mike Wilson

• Vincent Gee

• Matt Fallon

• Win Allen

• Jason Macom

• Paul Reardon

• Than White

• Bonnie Walker, USAC Technical Director

ROOM AND BOARD

The course will be held at the Triangle Y Ranch Camp, which is part of the YMCA of Southern Arizona. Room and board will be provided as part of your registration fee. We will receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, starting with dinner on Monday evening through breakfast on Friday morning. Breakfast will be something simple, lunch and dinner will be buffet or family style, including a salad bar. Lodging is for 4 nights starting Monday, with check-in starting at 3 PM and checkout on Friday at 8 AM. You will be sharing rooms, so please plan accordingly. This isn’t the Marriott, but rather a camp. You will need to bring your own bedding, towels, and whatever you need to feel comfortable. Additional details will be sent to those who register for the course. The instructors will also be staying here providing additional time to ask questions, tell war stories, and build camaraderie with other mechanics. One thing to keep in mind, alcohol and drugs of any kind are strictly prohibited.

TRAVEL

If you are flying, we will provide round-trip travel from the Tucson International Airport (TUS) to the Triangle Y Ranch Camp on Monday leaving the airport at 2:30 PM and back to the airport on Friday leaving the Ranch no later than 8:00 AM. Please plan your flights accordingly.

If you are driving or renting a car, please plan on arriving between 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM on Monday. The first course session will begin at 5:00 PM.

When registering, please be sure to indicate if you will need transportation to/from the airport so we can plan accordingly.

Visit Tucson partners with more than 500 businesses around the region making it easy for us to provide a turn-key experience from the moment your team or group arrives. From facilities to accommodations to fun things to do while in town, we can provide the information and assistance you need. Our local community is always ready for new and exciting events and will welcome your participants, families, and fans with the hospitality Tucson is known for.

The wide variety of facilities that can be utilized for your event will allow for expanding an event experience on the field of play and beyond. And the growing list of signature sporting events that we already host on an annual basis proves that we have the winning formula to take your event to the next level.

WHO CAN ATTEND THE USA CYCLING RACE MECHANICS CLINIC?

Anyone with at least a year of bicycle mechanic experience can attend the clinic. The clinic will not teach you how to work on bicycles, but will show you how to apply your skills to race situations.

WHY DO I NEED A MECHANIC’S LICENSE?

You need a USA Cycling Mechanics license to work at Olympic Trials, National Championships, Olympics, World Championships and with the National Team at races and camps.

Additionally, many of the corporate neutral support companies require their employees and volunteers to have a USA Cycling Mechanics license.

You need a USA Cycling Mechanics license to work at Olympic Trials, National Championships, Olympics, World Championships and with the National Team at races and camps.

Additionally, many of the corporate neutral support companies require their employees and volunteers to have a USA Cycling Mechanics license.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A MECHANIC’S LICENSE?

Licensed mechanics are covered under the USA Cycling insurance policy during their participation at sanctioned events.

Having a licensed mechanic on staff at your shop can boost the confidence of your clientele and give you an advantage over other shops.

Having a license and using it with your local team or at local races brings a higher level of staff to the sport.

Licensed mechanics can purchase supplemental liability insurance at a reduced rate.

Licensed mechanics are covered under the USA Cycling insurance policy during their participation at sanctioned events.

Having a licensed mechanic on staff at your shop can boost the confidence of your clientele and give you an advantage over other shops.

Having a license and using it with your local team or at local races brings a higher level of staff to the sport.

Licensed mechanics can purchase supplemental liability insurance at a reduced rate.