2010 Conference Champions. Photo by Julie Houck.
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.
Collegiate Racing
The focus of the UW cycling team has been consistent. We are a competitive racing team and 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 who donates his 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 of Seattle.
Women Development
Photo by Katie Houck.
A new focus this year is developing the Husky Cycling 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. For any other questions or concerns, contact our women’s team coordinators, Liz Patterson at espatter@u.washington.edu and Marikje Smith at mlss@u.washington.edu.
Joining the Team
Husky Cycling is open to anyone who is interested in cycling. Riders of all skill levels are welcomed and encouraged to join. Although our focus leans heavily towards competitive cycling, racing is by no means required. The team is very supportive and is an excellent way to become involved in the world of cycling. The best way to get involved is to come out and ride with our team!
To officially join the club, a $40 annual fee is required as well as a signed waiver card. If you’ll be racing in the spring, we ask that you pay a $60 annual fee, as most of the team’s resources are used by members that race. The check (we do not accept any other form of payment) should be made out to Husky Cycling and given to the current Treasurer. For any other questions, contact Danny at koski@u.washington.edu.
Communicating with us
For regular updates on club activities you should subscribe to the club’s mailing list. You will receive club announcements and ride postings on this list. You may also post your own announcements about rides, etc. To subscribe to uwracing, Husky Cycling’s on-line mailing list, please follow the instructions here. Instructions for un-subscribing can be found at the same place.