USA Cycling hires Alba Radsport to manage U23 Development Program
Marcello Albasini will lead Alba Radsport as it manages the USA Cycling Mens U23 program from Belgium.
Led by Director Sportif Marcello Albasini, the Swiss company will direct USA Cycling’s U23 development efforts from the USA Cycling European Residence Center in Izegem, Belgium. Overseeing all aspects of the program, from race selection to rider development, Albasini will play a crucial role in providing the support and instruction necessary for young American cyclists to make successful transitions to professional careers.
“Over the past decade, our U23 Development Program has been tremendously successful in placing riders in the pro ranks,” explained USA Cycling CEO, Steve Johnson. “Marcello has what it takes to lead this program into the future. He has a wealth of experience that comes from his long history at cycling’s highest levels, and he’ll be able to provide our young riders with consistent, stable leadership.”
Following two years as an elite Swiss rider, Albasini served two years as Switzerland’s junior national coach and 11 years as the nation’s U23 national coach. Most recently, he spent two years as a coach with the Cervelo Test Team.
Albasini’s first trip to Izegem will come in March, and from then on out, he will be focused on entering his American riders in races like the Tour de l’Avenir and Nations Cup events.
“It’s important to have good teamwork as they grow as riders,” Albasini explained. “I want to bring them to a higher level and make them better… Teach them what it means to be professional.”
USA Cycling’s U23 Development Program was founded in 1999 with the goal of providing young American cyclists with opportunities to race in the world’s most competitive environment where the fields are larger and the speeds are faster. Extended exposure to European racing is a crucial factor in the successful development of these young riders. To learn more about USA Cycling’s Development Programs, please click here.
This Article Published January 12, 2011 For more information contact:
