November 22/05 1:44 am - Pearce Named USA Cycling Endurance Track Coach, Miscellaneous Cycling Headlines

Posted by Editoress on 11/22/05
 

Pearce Named USA Cycling Endurance Track Coach
USA Cycling

Pearce, 33, will be involved in all phases of the Endurance Track Program, including working with the elite men's and women's programs, the U23 program, and developing junior racers, said Director of Track Cycling Pat McDonough.

"He's worked for the last year with TIAA-CREF as a rider/coach and has brought a number of athletes and top road talent to the track," McDonough said. "We hope he can take us to the next level."

McDonough noted that Pearce, a former road rider himself, will be instrumental in attracting road athletes to track competition. Among his duties will be running camps in Los Angeles and Colorado Springs to educate and develop road cyclists into track athletes.

"It seemed like a natural transition," Pearce said. "I've been leaning in the direction (of coaching) over the last year with TIAA-CREF, passing on what I learned to younger riders, and then this was the perfect opportunity. The track program needs an overhaul, but with the programs Pat (McDonough) has enacted and the hiring of Gary West (head track coach), all of the key components are in place for a competitive track program."

Earlier this month, Pearce retired from professional racing, ending his career with a silver medal in the points race at the Union Cycliste Internationale Track World Cup in Moscow. During his 17-year career, Pearce has won 9 National Championships, 11 World Cup medals (including 3 victories), and holds the US 10 km record on the track.

Pearce now takes the helm of the endurance track program that has been without a coach since 2000.

"Colby is a tremendous addition to the USA Cycling endurance program; and will fill a vital role in implementing our high performance plan on the track," said Director of Athletics Steve Johnson. "He brings a powerful combination of technical and tactical knowledge of both road and endurance track events to our coaching staff."

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