MIKE KING NAMED DIRECTOR OF BMX PROGRAMS AT USA CYCLING

Mar 18, 2007

Written by Bart de Jong

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Retired BMX and Mountain Bike Pro Set to Lead America’s BMX Riders to Beijing. USA Cycling formally announced today that former BMX World Champion Mike King has been selected to lead American BMX athletes to Beijing as USA Cycling’s Director of BMX Programs. In his new role, one of King’s missions will be to develop a top-notch BMX squad to represent the U.S. at the sport’s Olympic debut next summer. His history as a world-class athlete makes him the ideal candidate to prepare riders who until now haven’t been exposed to the structured environment of an Olympic sport.

“We’re extremely excited to have Mike on board,” commented Pat McDonough, director of athletics for USA Cycling. “As a former elite athlete himself, Mike has the experience, knowledge and passion for the sport necessary to motivate our BMX athletes and guide them to consistent success. With BMX now on the Olympic program, it was imperative to add someone of Mike’s caliber to ensure our athletes receive the same level of service and opportunity that we provide to our athletes in other disciplines."

One of King’s first tasks since he started with USA Cycling in November was to hold a BMX training camp for thirteen of the nation’s top BMX riders and to demonstrate what resources are available to them as Olympic-caliber athletes through USA Cycling.

“It was the first true BMX camp for America’s elite group of BMX athletes, and allowing them to see the resources available to them up close and talk to experienced staff was very rewarding,” King explained about the camp which took place last month. “I am very excited to be a part of USA Cycling as we head toward Beijing,” King said. “I feel confident about our medal chances, which makes this job very rewarding.”

King turned pro in 1988 after winning back-to-back amateur BMX national titles. That same year, he became only the third rider in BMX history to win the Pro National title in his rookie year. His BMX accolades include the 1987 Supercross World Title and membership in the BMX Hall of Fame. In 1993, he decided to test his skills on a downhill mountain bike and placed second in his first-ever pro event. King ended that first season atop the podium at the UCI World Championships in Metabief, France and continued to compete at the discipline’s highest level for the next decade.

Now, aside from racing in a few select events, King is retired from professional competition and looks forward to grooming the next generation of World and Olympic BMX champs.