COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (October 24, 2003)—USA Cycling announced today the appointment of Andrzej Bek as the Sprint Track Program Director for the U.S. Cycling Team. A familiar face to USA Cycling, Bek returns after successfully holding a similar position from 1986-‘88, and again from 1994-‘99. Bek’s responsibilities are simple – to mold Olympians out of the current crop of talented American track sprinters – a task all to familiar to him.
Bek led the U.S. Cycling team to two silver medals in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga. as the coach of Marty Nothstein and Erin Hartwell who placed second in the men’s sprint and one kilometer time trial respectively. Bek’s successful experience as a coach and director compliments his storied past as a competitive cyclist that brought him a bronze medal in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany on the track.
Bek returns to USA Cycling after one year as the Director of the Saturn Cycling Team where he led the team to arguably its best season ever, capturing both the individual and team titles in the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar Series.
Director of Athletics for USA Cycling, Steve Johnson, is excited about the return of Bek to USA Cycling and the potential he brings with him. "I am very excited that Andrzej has agreed to join us as we rebuild our sprint track program. Not only is he intimately familiar with the unique challenges of the American cycling system; but he also brings a needed combination of international coaching and organizational experience to the effort."
Tom Schuler, General Manager of the Saturn Cycling Team echoed the comments of Johnson when supporting Bek’s new appointment. "Andrzej contributed an immense amount to the success of the Saturn Cycling Team in 2004. Andrzej brought a level of commitment and focus to the team and all our athletes responded to his intensity with incredible results, I give Andrzej all the credit for motivating our guys. I know that Andrzej will shine in his new position with USA Cycling. Based on my 12 months with Andrzej, the USA Cycling Team and its athletes are very fortunate to have Andrzej on board."
About USA Cycling
Recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling promotes American cycling through its 45,000 members and 2,000 annual events. USA Cycling associations include the National Bicycle League (BMX), National Off-Road Bicycle Association (mountain bike), U.S. Cycling Federation (road/track) and the U.S. Professional Racing Organization (professional men’s road). For more information contact, USA Cycling Communications Manager, Andy Lee at 719-866-4867.
This Article Published 2003-10-24 05:56:49
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