USA Cycling announces departure of Noel Dejonckheere

Colorado Springs, Colo. (December 3, 2009) -- USA Cycling announced today the departure of long-time U23 Development Program Director Noel Dejonckheere. The native Belgian and long-time USA Cycling employee has accepted a position as the BMC Cycling Team's European Operations Manager and Assistant Directeur Sportif. Dejonckheere has directed USA Cycling's U23 Development Programs and run the National Team House in Izegem for the last decade. The remainder of the Izegem-based USA Cycling National Development Team Program operational staff will remain intact.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for Noel and I am very happy for him as he moves on to the next stage of his career," USA Cycling CEO Steve Johnson said. "With more than a decade of service to our programs, Noel has certainly helped shape the future of American cycling. With that said, we fully expect to build upon the momentum of the program and continue to prepare the next crop of great young American cyclists using the proven methods developed over the last 10 years."   

Following an extensive professional racing career, Dejonckheere worked with the 7-Eleven and Motorola Professional Cycling Teams for nearly a decade before bringing his expertise to USA Cycling. As the national governing body's Development Programs Director, Dejonckheere helped pioneer programs which have placed nearly two dozen young American cyclists amongst the cycling world's highest stage, the UCI Pro Tour. 

"Helping build USA Cycling's U23 development programs and working with the young riders was a great experience," said Dejonckheere. "It's not easy for me to change after working so hard with many of these talented young riders who we've seen go professional. That was our goal from the beginning and I don't see that slowing down as there continues to be a lot of good young riders coming up through the programs. Just this year we have nearly 10 riders move on to top-level teams. I've been very happy working for USA Cycling for nearly 11 years but now it's time for me to move on. I will certainly continue to help foster the program in the transition period."     

Despite Dejonckheere's departure, USA Cycling will continue to utilize the same facility, service course and staff as it has since the inception of the Belgian-based development program in 1999. Noel will continue to work with USA Cycling on a limited basis until a permanent replacement can be found.

About USA Cycling  
Recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling is the official governing body for all disciplines of competitive cycling in the United States, including road, track, mountain bike, BMX, and cyclo-cross. As a membership-based organization, USA Cycling consists of 64,000+ licensees including 1,500 coaches, 4,000 student-athletes, 2,200 officials, 1,800 clubs and teams, 350 professional cyclists, 200 certified mechanics, and 34 local associations. The national governing body sanctions 2,500 competitive and non-competitive events throughout the U.S. each year and is responsible for the identification, development, and support of American cyclists through various initiatives and programs. Additionally, USA Cycling conducts national championship events for all categories of amateur and professional cycling. To learn more about USA Cycling, visit www.usacycling.org.

Tags: U23 Development Program Director Noel Dejonckheere, USA Cycling, USA Cycling National Development Team Program