USA cycling sponsorships awarded

Rebecca Larson and Todd Dowling are the recipients of the 2006 John Stenner Collegiate Scholarships, USA Cycling announced today. Each recipient will receive a cash award made possible by donations to the USA Cycling Development Foundation in memory of John Stenner.

Stenner, a former U.S. National Team and Olympian, one of the founding fathers of organized collegiate cycling, died at 29 when he was struck by a pick-up truck in 1994. Following his death, a fund was established in his name, The John Stenner Collegiate Cycling Scholarship and this fund continues to be supported by the members/donors of the USA Cycling Development Foundation.

Both Larson and Dowling were recognized for their leadership in their respective cycling communities and their major accomplishments during their student-athlete careers. Larson is currently an Exercise Physiology graduate student in Gainesville, Florida, conducting research on exercise interventions for subjects with Multiple Sclerosis. She has been a team leader for the University of Florida Cycling Team for several years and recently stepped up to the head coach position. Larson has served as a mentor to new members through the creation of skills clinics while still maintaining her role as a successful competitive cyclist.

Dowling is deeply involved in both the Bucknell University Cycling Team and the cycling community in general. His contributions to the squad include recruitment efforts that grew the team from six riders to 27, and sponsorship sales that resulted in thousands of dollars of support.

Besides Dowling’s involvement in competitive cycling, he is a well-rounded student with a 3.6 GPA as a senior Biology major. Dowling is also heavily involved with university clubs and honors societies and tutoring efforts. He also works to promote cycling in local media publications.

Despite his many activities off the bike, Dowling has managed to mold himself from a beginner cyclist to a strong finisher in the men’s ‘A’ category of the Eastern Collegiate Cycling Conference (ECCC).