Colorado Springs, Colo. (March 18, 2009) - USA Cycling’s 22nd Bill Woodul Race Mechanics Clinic took place later than normal this year due to the move of the national governing body’s headquarters. Regardless, nearly 30 mechanics converged on the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs on March 12-15, in hopes of becoming certified race mechanics. In addition to certification the clinic offers students a unique, one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn from industry instructors, receive hands-on experience and network with leaders in the cycling industry.
Three full days of training offered hands on preparation in various aspects of race mechanics and support. The clinic, the only one of its kind in the world, is designed to give mechanics insight into all aspects tied specifically to race support and management. Industry experts from various parts of the racing community, including companies such as MAVIC, Park Tool and Shimano made presentations which included following topics:
- Caravan and Motorcycle Support
- Officials Clinic
- Power Output Measurement
- Department of Transportation Compliance
- BMX Support
- Cyclo-cross Support
- Road Team Support
- Track Support
- Mountain Bike Support
- Neutral Criterium and Road Support
- Bike Washing
- Packing and Transportation of Bikes
- Materials of Construction: Carbon Fiber
- Wheel Change Management
- Fork and Shock Fundamentals
- Race Equipment Preparation
- Pack Out – Trip Inventory
- Position Measurement
- Tubular Tires
- Race Equipment Preparation
Although many of the same topics have been covered for the last decade, each year the industry’s newest technologies are also emphasized. In addition to his sessions on team road support and DOT rules and regulations, instructor Dave Arnauckas, Shimano’s Multi-Service Supervisor, also brought along Shimano’s newest electronic shifting group, the Dur-Ace Di2, for students to check out. Ric Hjertberg of Wheelfanatyk covered the latest in carbon fiber and Hercules Castro of SRAM taught participants about the most up to date suspension technology.
Saturday evening’s expo was once again a favorite session amongst attendees. The expo provided an opportunity for instructors to share the latest products, tools and equipment from their respective companies. Students could check out spoke cutting machines, tool cases, lubes, tools, wheels, components and the latest SRM products.
Twenty-seven mechanics completed the course and earned the privilege to carry a USA Cycling mechanic’s license. As a USA Cycling-licensed mechanic, individuals become eligible to work with USA Cycling as well as many neutral support programs and professional teams in addition to enhancing their marketable skills.
“Race mechanics need to develop a different set of skills from what they would rely on in a shop environment,” explained USA Cycling’s Logistics and Operations Director and former race mechanic, Gregory Cross. “On the road or at an event, mechanics need to prioritize tasks during demanding times. We focus on logistical training and problem solving in hopes that we teach these already skilled bicycle mechanics to plan, adapt and excel in racing situations where it is inevitable that the unexpected occurs.”
The clinic is named after Bill Woodul, who held the first USA Cycling mechanics clinic in the late 1980’s as a way to recruit mechanics for his program.
Past graduates of the program have gone on to work for teams all over the world.
USA Cycling would like to recognize the 27 graduates of the 2009 Bill Woodul Mechanics Clinic:
Jason Gardner
Richard Hurst
Jesse R Edwards
Garth Smith
Charles M. Wiesner
Blake Chilson
Jeff Bates
Josh Freeman
Marco Vasquez
David Blackett
Ray Clark
Austin Moran
Scott House
Tim Gray
Kevin Loftus
Michael Knudsen
Brent Nutting
Jeffery Paige
Karl Frisk
Steven Mielich
James Huang
Calvin Miller
Will Wheeler
Randy Kiunke
Tommy Magrath
Derek Melberg
Robert D. Holcomb
*Visit USA Cycling's photo gallery here to view additional photos from the clinic.
