Doug Martin leaves USA Cycling

Dec 18, 2006

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 4176 times

BMX Friends: I want to let you know that I have made the decision to leave USA Cycling (USAC) as their BMX Programs Director. This decision was mine alone and did not come easily. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity USAC gave me and learned a tremendous amount in a very short period of time. Despite leaving, I can tell you that USAC is fully committed to the success of the sport and understands that BMX has its own unique needs and circumstances to consider on a regular and ongoing basis. Since I began with USAC in the spring, I believe things have been successfully kick-started and much of which we had hoped to put in place, has. I hope that the BMX community now knows that USAC is a friend and that their core interests - to grow the sport and help continue to strive for international excellence - are the same core interests of the racing community.

I am particularly happy to see such knowledgeable and talented people as Mike King, Greg Romero, Mike Quileza, Richard Bunt and others, have all stepped up and embraced USAC's involvement and commitment to BMX's success. It is through their collective efforts that so much has already been accomplished. Related, but less known, is that BMX legend Gary "The Lumberjack" Ellis was named to the U.S. Olympic Selection committee and by virtue of his presence, BMX will now be soundly represented during the final selection process heading into Beijing and beyond.

From USAC moving forward I think BMX will likely see more camps, continued international support, possibly a BMX-specific training facility, program(s) expansion, a dedicated BMX staff and more. As USAC knows, I remain committed to the sport's success and will do everything I can to help in the future.

In closing, I urge all of the racing organizations involved - USAC, UCI, NBL and ABA - to continue to communicate and work towards common ground where the sport needs it. Great strides have been made, with more still to do. In turn, each will be rewarded with what everybody wants most - for BMX racing to flourish and succeed.

Thank you for your support and please feel free to contact me anytime. All the best in '07 and beyond.

Doug Martin
Blue Room Sports