Although professional cycling is facing some challenging times internationally, from the well-publicized struggle between the UCI and the organizers of the Grand Tours to the infighting of the UCI ProTour teams to the ongoing fight against doping in sport, professional cycling in the United States has enjoyed unprecedented growth. The future is so bright, USA Cycling has its sights set on a UCI ProTour race in the very near future.
Steve Johnson, chief executive officer of USA Cycling, shared his thoughts on the organization's goals and vision for professional men's cycling.
"(UCI President) Pat McQuaid and the UCI have made clear their intention to truly globalize professional cycling and expand the highest level of the sport beyond its traditional Western European borders," said Johnson. "This forward-looking vision and direction from the UCI is exactly what is required for professional cycling to reach new markets and grow in stature and popularity worldwide. We are very supportive of the vision for the sport expressed by Mr. McQuaid and believe that the U.S. is perfectly positioned and prepared to be a player in the expansion of the ProTour outside of its present structure."
"Frankly, I think the continued expansion of professional cycling into the global marketplace will benefit the entire sport. By way of example, the sport of cycling clearly benefited from the tremendous awareness that Lance Armstrong created as he captured the entire world's imagination by winning seven Tours de France. It's hard to ignore the obvious synergy between the increased world-wide interest in the Tour de France and Lance's remarkable story."
"Domestically, this newfound awareness for the sport has translated into more bike racers, new sponsors and the creation of new world-class events, including the Tour de Georgia and the Amgen Tour of California. Ultimately, all of this activity feeds back to support the continued growth of the sport and create opportunities for more professional riders," said Johnson.
