2006 USA Cycling Collegiate Nationals – Thank you!
The fact that Kansas has placed athletes on the podium two years in a row has put the national cycling community on notice! (Brian Jensen, 3rd place in the 2005 road race; Mark Smelser, 1st place in the 2006 criterium).
While serving as both the promoter of the event and coach for KU Cycling, I recognize that people throughout the nation note that Kansas is creating the "big picture" in competitive cycling. Our state has a nationally recognized junior program directed by Jim Whittaker and GP Velotek. We’ve now successfully hosted the national championships two years in a row. And locally, both the developing juniors and collegiate athletes have seen how Brian Jensen turned pro and Mark Smelser earned the stars and stripes jersey.
By combining these grassroots developments, hosting nationals, and generating national champions, Kansas is becoming a comprehensive "elite pipeline" in the eyes of many people.
After reviewing the extensive list of volunteers and support personnel that were involved in hosting the National championships over the weekend, there is an approximate 4:1 ratio of support personnel for every athlete that participates in an event with the magnitude of Collegiate Nationals. Approximately 430 athletes converged in Lawrence last weekend, and nearly 1,100 people helped shaped the event in varying degrees.
On behalf of USA Cycling, their Collegiate Board of Directors, and the Lawrence Sports Corporation, thank you to the many people of Lawrence, Kansas City, Topeka and all areas of Northeast Kansas for helping create a successful event and experience of a lifetime for so many athletes.
Sincerely,
Christopher Hess
Promoter, 2006 USA Cycling Collegiate Road Nationals