USAC offers new U23 MTB stipend program

USA Cycling announced a new financial incentive program to support American U23 mountain bikers racing at a national level. The program, called the U23 Mountain Bike Support and Identification Program, awards performance stipends to men's and women's cross country racers who meet certain criteria at qualifying events.

A US$1,000 cash stipend will be paid to U23 men who finish in the top three of the elite category of the program's qualifying events, while those who manage a fourth through 10th-place finish will be paid $750. U23 women who place in the top-three of their respective elite category will also earn $1,000, while those who finish fourth through seventh will receive $750.

The qualifying events include the Fontana NMBS in Southern California held last weekend, the Santa Ynez Valley NMBS in Los Olivos, California, on May 18, the Deer Valley NMBS in Park City, Utah, on June 29 and the Windham Mountain NMBS in New York, on July 12.

The program joins other USAC incentive measures such as the Podium Program, the Podium Bonus Program and the Elite Mountain Bike Performance Stipend Program.