Husky Cycling

Husky Cycling is the official cycling team of the University of Washington. We are a registered club sport with the UW Department of Recreational Sports Programs. We are also a registered member of both the USA Cycling (USAC) and the Northwest Collegiate Cycling Conference (NWCCC) of the National Collegiate Cycling Association (NCCA).We function as both a collegiate team and a USCF team (under the name Husky Racing). We accept all students, staff, faculty and alumni regardless of riding experience or ability. To be eligible for collegiate racing you must have full-time student status. Traditionally the team has put an emphasis on road racing, but we have racing teams for track, mountain, and cyclocross.

Rides and Training

In the Fall and Winter, the club meets during the week and on weekends for group rides. Saturday and Sunday rides usually meet at 10:00 am and will vary in length and intensity. Often, rides will start out as one large group and break into smaller segments that vary in difficulty or length. Additionally, Fall quarter is devoted to new rider orientation and recovery for our racers from the competitive season. Rides are shorter and easier, so that new riders can learn the many training routes available around Seattle. During this time more experienced members of the team have the opportunity to teach good riding techniques (paceline riding, etc) to anyone new wanting to improve their skills. We will also help new people work on bike fit and equipment suitability. During the Winter, we ramp up both the length and intensity of our training excursions, especially on weekends - the high-volume winter training culminates in a series of “Winter Epic Rides” from late January through early March. After racing in the Spring, there are no official group rides on the weekends until Fall quarter. However, many members use the UWracing email list to call out rides during the Spring and Summer.

Collegiate Racing

The focus of the UW cycling team has been consistent. We are a competitive racing team and a progressive organization; the nature of the university setting allows us to evolve and grow as a club. Our victories as a team are measured by more than our performance at national level competitions. We have introduced many new individuals to the sport of cycling and have assisted in the development of racers by bettering their skills as competitive athletes. We are a very active within our conference and each year, we sponsor two races in April; a road race/team time trial near Seattle and a criterium in metro Seattle. These races bring other athletes from colleges and universities in Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and Washington to the greater Seattle-metro area.

Coaching

We have the luxury of working with coaches Craig Undem and Erik Moen who donate their time and expertise to help develop our riding skills. Craig raced as a Category 1 road racer from 1989-2000 and his accomplishments include; Silver medalist in the 1990 National Elite Criterium and 8th in the road race; MTB world Cup winner at Mammoth; Washington State Cyclocross title winner; 3rd in US super cup series; Member of 1997 worlds team in Munich; Coached Redline cyclocross team to three National Championships and numerous super cup victories. Craig has recently started a program called Cycle University where a variety of classes are offered to people interested in cycling. Classes range from Cyclocross to triathlon to mountain biking to road. Discounted class rates are available for those who are members of Husky Cycling. You can visit his website here. Erik is a 1992 graduate from the University of Washington where he was a member of Husky Cycling. Erik is currently the Director of Physical Therapy at PRO Sports Club Ð Seattle. Erik is an elite level coach with United States Cycling Federation and formerly an elite level coach w/ Carmichael Training Systems. Erik strongly believes that collegiate cycling is an excellent opportunity to bring new athletes to the sport of bicycle racing. Erik holds memberships in the American Physical Therapy Association, United States Cycling Federation, and National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Women Development

A new focus this year is developing our women’s team. We have an accomplished core of women who have dedicated themselves to introducing women to the sport of cycling and what racing entails. We encourage women of every level of ability and experience to come out and ride with us. At first, our large group rides can be intimidating. We’re making every effort to make people feel comfortable. Don’t be afraid to ask questions regarding our women’s team.