National Team Resources
Pursuing Excellence
The purpose of the National Team is to, first, support American riders with proven ability to win medals at Olympic Games and World Championship competitions. Second, to provide support and program assistance to riders who have demonstrated the ability to develop into medal winning athletes. The primary goal of the program at all levels is to support and develop riders that are capable of sustained international success and consistent podium finishes in Olympic and World Championship competitions
For questions regarding these resources, please contact Kelsey Erickson, Senior Director of Athlete Health, Engagement & Experience, at kerickson@usacycling.org.
- Mental Health
- Athlete Ombuds
- Medical
- Education & Training
- Networking & Career
- Personal Insurance
- Grant Opportunities
Mental Health
Navigating insurance and identifying the right person to work with can be intimidating and complicated when it comes to seeking mental health support. We want to remove barriers to getting support, so Kelsey Erickson is available to help you find the right counselor for your situation. Kelsey can also confirm what avenues for payment you have available to you. Please reach out to Kelsey directly for guidance: kerickson@usacycling.org
USA Cycling Well-Being Program
USA Cycling recognizes the importance of the mental, physical and emotional health of our athletes and is offering pro-bono services to support the overall well-being of USA Cycling National Team athletes. Confidential counseling and mental health services are available for those who are interested. Please contact Kelsey Erickson if you would like to be connected with a licensed provider.
EAHI Mental Health Service
For Team USA athletes covered by the Elite Athlete Health Insurance, therapy/counseling sessions with an in-network or out-of-network licensed mental health provider have no co-pay and a deductible does not apply. If a Team USA athlete covered by EAHI engages with a mental health provider who does not accept insurance, the athlete can seek reimbursement from the USOPC. For appropriate paperwork, please contact USOPC Mental Health Services at mentalhealth@usopc.org.
Mental Health Assistance Fund
A reimbursement program established by the USOPC to help cover costs associated with mental health support. Criteria for eligibility of the MHAF are:
- All existing EAHI, MNM, and USOPC mental health resources have been accessed and exhausted or deemed inappropriate.
- Athletes who are training and have either been selected or are in contention to represent the US at the next Olympic or Paralympic Summer or Winter Games.
- Athletes who represented the US in the past 2 years at an elite competition in an event or discipline included on the programs at the next Olympic or Paralympic Summer or Winter Games, and/or have been selected to represent the US at a similar event in the current or next calendar year.
Apply: go.teamusa.org/MHAF
Headspace
Meditation and mindfulness have been shown to help people stress less, focus more and sleep soundly. Headspace can be your personal guide with hundreds of exercises for meditation, sleep, focus and movement. Fill out this survey to register and get your free account.
USOPC Mental Health Resource Guide
Athlete Ombuds
Team USA athletes may contact the Office of the Athlete Ombuds for independent and confidential advice on a variety of sport related matters, including their rights, applicable rules, policies or processes, and questions related to resolving disputes and grievances. The Athlete Ombuds can also help Team USA athletes connect with legal counsel or mental health resources if needed. All other NGB athletes (i.e., athletes competing domestically at the masters or youth level, recreational athletes, foreign athletes) are welcome to visit the Athlete Ombuds website to review informational resources and should work directly with their NGB to understand additional resources and options available to them.
Phone: 719-866-5000
Email: ombudsman@usathlete.org
Website: usathlete.org
Athlete Ombuds Confidentiality and Privacy Policy:
(A)In general.—The Office of the Athlete Ombuds shall maintain as confidential any information communicated or provided to the Office of the Athlete Ombuds in confidence in any matter involving the exercise of the official duties of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds. (B) Exception.—The Office of the Athlete Ombuds may disclose information described in subparagraph (A) as necessary to resolve or mediate a dispute, with the permission of the parties involved. (C) Judicial and administrative proceedings.—(i) In general.—The ombudsman and the staff of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds shall not be compelled to testify or produce evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding with respect to any matter involving the exercise of the duties of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds . (ii) Work product.—Any memorandum, work product, notes, or case file of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds—(I) shall be confidential; and(II) shall not be—(aa) subject to discovery, subpoena, or any other means of legal compulsion; or (bb) admissible as evidence in a judicial or administrative proceeding. (D) Applicability.—The confidentiality requirements under this paragraph shall not apply to information relating to—(i) applicable federally mandated reporting requirements; (ii) a felony personally witnessed by a member of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds;(iii) a situation, communicated to the Office of the Athlete Ombuds, in which an individual is at imminent risk of serious harm; or (iv) a congressional subpoena.
Anti-retaliation Statement
No employee, contractor, agent, volunteer, or member of the NGB or USOPC shall take or threaten action against an athlete as a reprisal for disclosing information to or seeking assistance from the Office of the Athlete Ombuds.
Medical
USOPC National Medical Network
Available to athletes with EAHI
Provides medical care to eligible Team USA athletes, including orthopedics, sports medicine, general medicine, women’s health and more.
Eligible athletes may receive travel assistance and a broad range of medical services at reduced or no cost.
Learn more about NMN here.
Submit a request for care through the NMN here.
Education & Training
USOPC Tuition Grant
Athlete Services awards over $800k annually to Team USA athletes for education in the form of tuition grants. The Team USA Tuition Grants allow athletes to further their education in preparation for lifelong career goals by defraying a portion of athletes’ tuition costs. This can take the form of traditional 2-and 4-year undergraduate or graduate degrees, industry specific certificates, professional development courses, job readiness training courses, and other educational courses that will lead to the advancement of the athlete’s career aspirations.
Applications are open all year and awards are distributed on a rolling basis to allow athletes to apply for a grant based on when they need monies. Eligible athletes may be awarded up to $4,500 in a calendar year.
Tuition Grant Funding Tracks
- Traditional Higher Education such as associate's, undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degree programs through a college or university.
- Vocational such as trade school, plumbing, electrical, culinary, or other trade-specific licensures or certificates.
- Career Development and Life Training such as test prep courses, industry specific courses and licenses, soft skill professional development courses, etc.
Complete your tuition grant application here.
Contact ace.edu@usopc.org with questions.
Colorado and Utah In-State Tuition
Through the USOPC, eligible Team USA athletes living and training in Colorado and Utah can receive in-state tuition at select public colleges and universities regardless of an individual’s resident status.
Participating Schools:
| Colorado | Utah |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Utah |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Utah State |
| Colorado Mountain College | Salt Lake City Community College |
| Colorado State University - Pueblo | |
| Pikes Peak Community College | |
| Metropolitan State University Schools |
How To Apply:
Athletes must apply for the in-state tuition classification each semester they enroll in classes.
Athletic eligibility will be reviewed each time the form is submitted.
- Register with USOPC
- Visit your school's residency page and/or download the appropriate “Team USA In-State Tuition Athlete Verification Form” linked above.
- Fill out the “Student Information” section before sending to your NGB for approval. If you do not know who your NGB contact is, send your form to ACE.edu@usopc.org
- Send your completed form to ACE.edu@usopc.org to sign and approve. We will send your completed form to your school.
- Review your school's residency page for due dates.
Holistic Athlete Education Series
USA Cycling has recorded several educational video recordings on certain topics to help athletes. Click below on each topic to watch the zoom recording.
Understanding Your Core Values - with Melanie Kartzmer (USOPC)
Mental Health - with Carly Wegren
Creating a Mindfulness Practice - with John Abate
Safe Sport - with Kelsey Erickson & Sara Youmans
Clean Sport - with True Sport & Brad Huff
Financial Management - with the Black Swift Group
Leveraging Social Media - with Mandy Marquardt
Building Your Brand - with Patrick Lemieux
Engaging with Social Media - with Angelina Palermo
Networking & Career
Team USA Athlete Career & Education Hub on LinkedIn
Join the group to connect with fellow Team USA peers, both current and retired. Join now.
Manpower Career Coaching
The USOPC has teamed up with Manpower Group to help you upskill your career off the field of play. Finding a new career is one of the most difficult transitions to go through, and MPG can help you to find the right career faster than you can alone. As a member of Team USA, you will be teamed up with a career coach that you’ll work with 1-on-1. They will help you understand and leverage your strengths and skills, personal and professional priorities, and ideal work environments, enabling you to focus your search on the right career opportunities – not just another job. MPG trainers and technology solutions include but are not limited to: resume building, social media profile optimization, personal website, and a 30-second commercial to help future employers understand the value you can bring to their organization. Prepare for certifications, and become even more attractive to employers with access to the powerYOU training platform with 35K+ online learning resources in business skills, desktop skills and IT skills. Register here to learn more.
Transition Resources - The Sideline Perspective
The Sideline Perspective is an online story sharing platform where injured and retiring athletes can voice their experiences stepping away from competitive sports. It is built around fostering community in athlete transition, helping individuals to answer the questions “who am I” and “what next” together. You can choose to just read the stories or boldly write and share your own – either way it is a valuable opportunity to recognize you’re not alone in this new chapter.
Website: thesidelineperspective.com
Instagram: @thesidelineperspective
Email: info@thesidelineperspective.com
USOPC Pivot Workshops
This program is designed to assist retiring athletes in their health and well-being as whole people beyond athletics by providing tools, techniques and a support system to discover and cultivate their next passions and goals as they transition out of elite competition. Athletes will realize they are not alone, have the opportunity to share and relate their experiences with others going through the same transition, and receive support for future success.
Learn more: athletepivot@usopc.org
Personal Insurance
EAHI
2023 Benefits Guide - Coming Soon!
Spot
USA Cycling will cover the cost of 2023 National Team athletes’ Spot insurance.
Spot covers costs from your doctor-recommended treatment plan up to $25,000 for any covered physical injury as long as it’s carried out by a licensed physician. Your treatment plan could include diagnostic scans, hospital stays, ER visits, surgeries, and emergency transportation. Basically, anything your licensed physician recommends that you need to recover from your accident.
Each accident you have is eligible for reimbursement up to $25,000. This means if you need stitches and an MRI after a biking accident one day, you’re covered for up to $25,000 for that. If you have another crash the next week, you’re covered for up to $25,000 for that as well. We really hope that never happens to you but we’ve got your back regardless, even if it’s broken.
Learn more here.
File a claim here.
SafeTrip
International travel insurance provided for all USA Cycling international programs and trips. This is booked for you in advance.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
If you have a medical or travel issue, contact us for assistance. Simply call our toll-free or collect-call telephone numbers printed on your ID card, or email us at: assistance@uhcglobal.com
If the condition is an emergency, you should go immediately to the nearest physician or hospital without delay and then contact UnitedHealthcare Global’s 24-hour Emergency Response Center.
You can purchase SafeTrip for yourself for non-USA Cycling international trips through USA Cycling for $5/day. Please email USOPC@uhcglobal.com and let them know you are a member of USA Cycling.
Grant Opportunities
USA Cycling Foundation High Performance Grants
The Wyatt Weisel High Performance Grant program supports travel & training needs for junior and U23 cyclists, awarding money directly to qualifying athletes for use in regional and national development camps, and for use as travel aid to specific national and international racing events. These awards are based on athletic merit and financial need.
- Mental Health
- Athlete Ombuds
- Medical
- Education & Training
- Networking & Career
- Personal Insurance
- Grant Opportunities
Mental Health
Navigating insurance and identifying the right person to work with can be intimidating and complicated when it comes to seeking mental health support. We want to remove barriers to getting support, so Kelsey Erickson is available to help you find the right counselor for your situation. Kelsey can also confirm what avenues for payment you have available to you. Please reach out to Kelsey directly for guidance: kerickson@usacycling.org
USA Cycling Well-Being Program
USA Cycling recognizes the importance of the mental, physical and emotional health of our athletes and is offering pro-bono services to support the overall well-being of USA Cycling National Team athletes. Confidential counseling and mental health services are available for those who are interested. Please contact Kelsey Erickson if you would like to be connected with a licensed provider.
EAHI Mental Health Service
For Team USA athletes covered by the Elite Athlete Health Insurance, therapy/counseling sessions with an in-network or out-of-network licensed mental health provider have no co-pay and a deductible does not apply. If a Team USA athlete covered by EAHI engages with a mental health provider who does not accept insurance, the athlete can seek reimbursement from the USOPC. For appropriate paperwork, please contact USOPC Mental Health Services at mentalhealth@usopc.org.
Mental Health Assistance Fund
A reimbursement program established by the USOPC to help cover costs associated with mental health support. Criteria for eligibility of the MHAF are:
- All existing EAHI, MNM, and USOPC mental health resources have been accessed and exhausted or deemed inappropriate.
- Athletes who are training and have either been selected or are in contention to represent the US at the next Olympic or Paralympic Summer or Winter Games.
- Athletes who represented the US in the past 2 years at an elite competition in an event or discipline included on the programs at the next Olympic or Paralympic Summer or Winter Games, and/or have been selected to represent the US at a similar event in the current or next calendar year.
Apply: go.teamusa.org/MHAF
Headspace
Meditation and mindfulness have been shown to help people stress less, focus more and sleep soundly. Headspace can be your personal guide with hundreds of exercises for meditation, sleep, focus and movement. Fill out this survey to register and get your free account.
USOPC Mental Health Resource Guide
Athlete Ombuds
Team USA athletes may contact the Office of the Athlete Ombuds for independent and confidential advice on a variety of sport related matters, including their rights, applicable rules, policies or processes, and questions related to resolving disputes and grievances. The Athlete Ombuds can also help Team USA athletes connect with legal counsel or mental health resources if needed. All other NGB athletes (i.e., athletes competing domestically at the masters or youth level, recreational athletes, foreign athletes) are welcome to visit the Athlete Ombuds website to review informational resources and should work directly with their NGB to understand additional resources and options available to them.
Phone: 719-866-5000
Email: ombudsman@usathlete.org
Website: usathlete.org
Athlete Ombuds Confidentiality and Privacy Policy:
(A)In general.—The Office of the Athlete Ombuds shall maintain as confidential any information communicated or provided to the Office of the Athlete Ombuds in confidence in any matter involving the exercise of the official duties of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds. (B) Exception.—The Office of the Athlete Ombuds may disclose information described in subparagraph (A) as necessary to resolve or mediate a dispute, with the permission of the parties involved. (C) Judicial and administrative proceedings.—(i) In general.—The ombudsman and the staff of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds shall not be compelled to testify or produce evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding with respect to any matter involving the exercise of the duties of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds . (ii) Work product.—Any memorandum, work product, notes, or case file of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds—(I) shall be confidential; and(II) shall not be—(aa) subject to discovery, subpoena, or any other means of legal compulsion; or (bb) admissible as evidence in a judicial or administrative proceeding. (D) Applicability.—The confidentiality requirements under this paragraph shall not apply to information relating to—(i) applicable federally mandated reporting requirements; (ii) a felony personally witnessed by a member of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds;(iii) a situation, communicated to the Office of the Athlete Ombuds, in which an individual is at imminent risk of serious harm; or (iv) a congressional subpoena.
Anti-retaliation Statement
No employee, contractor, agent, volunteer, or member of the NGB or USOPC shall take or threaten action against an athlete as a reprisal for disclosing information to or seeking assistance from the Office of the Athlete Ombuds.
Medical
USOPC National Medical Network
Available to athletes with EAHI
Provides medical care to eligible Team USA athletes, including orthopedics, sports medicine, general medicine, women’s health and more.
Eligible athletes may receive travel assistance and a broad range of medical services at reduced or no cost.
Learn more about NMN here.
Submit a request for care through the NMN here.
Education & Training
USOPC Tuition Grant
Athlete Services awards over $800k annually to Team USA athletes for education in the form of tuition grants. The Team USA Tuition Grants allow athletes to further their education in preparation for lifelong career goals by defraying a portion of athletes’ tuition costs. This can take the form of traditional 2-and 4-year undergraduate or graduate degrees, industry specific certificates, professional development courses, job readiness training courses, and other educational courses that will lead to the advancement of the athlete’s career aspirations.
Applications are open all year and awards are distributed on a rolling basis to allow athletes to apply for a grant based on when they need monies. Eligible athletes may be awarded up to $4,500 in a calendar year.
Tuition Grant Funding Tracks
- Traditional Higher Education such as associate's, undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degree programs through a college or university.
- Vocational such as trade school, plumbing, electrical, culinary, or other trade-specific licensures or certificates.
- Career Development and Life Training such as test prep courses, industry specific courses and licenses, soft skill professional development courses, etc.
Complete your tuition grant application here.
Contact ace.edu@usopc.org with questions.
Colorado and Utah In-State Tuition
Through the USOPC, eligible Team USA athletes living and training in Colorado and Utah can receive in-state tuition at select public colleges and universities regardless of an individual’s resident status.
Participating Schools:
| Colorado | Utah |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Utah |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Utah State |
| Colorado Mountain College | Salt Lake City Community College |
| Colorado State University - Pueblo | |
| Pikes Peak Community College | |
| Metropolitan State University Schools |
How To Apply:
Athletes must apply for the in-state tuition classification each semester they enroll in classes.
Athletic eligibility will be reviewed each time the form is submitted.
- Register with USOPC
- Visit your school's residency page and/or download the appropriate “Team USA In-State Tuition Athlete Verification Form” linked above.
- Fill out the “Student Information” section before sending to your NGB for approval. If you do not know who your NGB contact is, send your form to ACE.edu@usopc.org
- Send your completed form to ACE.edu@usopc.org to sign and approve. We will send your completed form to your school.
- Review your school's residency page for due dates.
Holistic Athlete Education Series
USA Cycling has recorded several educational video recordings on certain topics to help athletes. Click below on each topic to watch the zoom recording.
Understanding Your Core Values - with Melanie Kartzmer (USOPC)
Mental Health - with Carly Wegren
Creating a Mindfulness Practice - with John Abate
Safe Sport - with Kelsey Erickson & Sara Youmans
Clean Sport - with True Sport & Brad Huff
Financial Management - with the Black Swift Group
Leveraging Social Media - with Mandy Marquardt
Building Your Brand - with Patrick Lemieux
Engaging with Social Media - with Angelina Palermo
Networking & Career
Team USA Athlete Career & Education Hub on LinkedIn
Join the group to connect with fellow Team USA peers, both current and retired. Join now.
Manpower Career Coaching
The USOPC has teamed up with Manpower Group to help you upskill your career off the field of play. Finding a new career is one of the most difficult transitions to go through, and MPG can help you to find the right career faster than you can alone. As a member of Team USA, you will be teamed up with a career coach that you’ll work with 1-on-1. They will help you understand and leverage your strengths and skills, personal and professional priorities, and ideal work environments, enabling you to focus your search on the right career opportunities – not just another job. MPG trainers and technology solutions include but are not limited to: resume building, social media profile optimization, personal website, and a 30-second commercial to help future employers understand the value you can bring to their organization. Prepare for certifications, and become even more attractive to employers with access to the powerYOU training platform with 35K+ online learning resources in business skills, desktop skills and IT skills. Register here to learn more.
Transition Resources - The Sideline Perspective
The Sideline Perspective is an online story sharing platform where injured and retiring athletes can voice their experiences stepping away from competitive sports. It is built around fostering community in athlete transition, helping individuals to answer the questions “who am I” and “what next” together. You can choose to just read the stories or boldly write and share your own – either way it is a valuable opportunity to recognize you’re not alone in this new chapter.
Website: thesidelineperspective.com
Instagram: @thesidelineperspective
Email: info@thesidelineperspective.com
USOPC Pivot Workshops
This program is designed to assist retiring athletes in their health and well-being as whole people beyond athletics by providing tools, techniques and a support system to discover and cultivate their next passions and goals as they transition out of elite competition. Athletes will realize they are not alone, have the opportunity to share and relate their experiences with others going through the same transition, and receive support for future success.
Learn more: athletepivot@usopc.org
Personal Insurance
EAHI
2023 Benefits Guide - Coming Soon!
Spot
USA Cycling will cover the cost of 2023 National Team athletes’ Spot insurance.
Spot covers costs from your doctor-recommended treatment plan up to $25,000 for any covered physical injury as long as it’s carried out by a licensed physician. Your treatment plan could include diagnostic scans, hospital stays, ER visits, surgeries, and emergency transportation. Basically, anything your licensed physician recommends that you need to recover from your accident.
Each accident you have is eligible for reimbursement up to $25,000. This means if you need stitches and an MRI after a biking accident one day, you’re covered for up to $25,000 for that. If you have another crash the next week, you’re covered for up to $25,000 for that as well. We really hope that never happens to you but we’ve got your back regardless, even if it’s broken.
Learn more here.
File a claim here.
SafeTrip
International travel insurance provided for all USA Cycling international programs and trips. This is booked for you in advance.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
If you have a medical or travel issue, contact us for assistance. Simply call our toll-free or collect-call telephone numbers printed on your ID card, or email us at: assistance@uhcglobal.com
If the condition is an emergency, you should go immediately to the nearest physician or hospital without delay and then contact UnitedHealthcare Global’s 24-hour Emergency Response Center.
You can purchase SafeTrip for yourself for non-USA Cycling international trips through USA Cycling for $5/day. Please email USOPC@uhcglobal.com and let them know you are a member of USA Cycling.
Grant Opportunities
USA Cycling Foundation High Performance Grants
The Wyatt Weisel High Performance Grant program supports travel & training needs for junior and U23 cyclists, awarding money directly to qualifying athletes for use in regional and national development camps, and for use as travel aid to specific national and international racing events. These awards are based on athletic merit and financial need.