This past Monday USA Cycling introduced a new team category for the NRC (National Racing Calendar.)

Domestic Elite Squads

Unlike Continental registration, Domestic Elite squads will have no age requirements placed on their rosters, but will require80 percent of the riders to be U.S. citizens. Foreign teams can compete for the NRC teams classification, but must pay the registration fee. “One restriction we are putting on it is nationality,” said Rice. “The idea is that this is really a domestic elite roster for United States riders. If foreign teams want to come in and compete, if they’re UCI, they obviously can do that … but if it’s a foreign team they’ll have to pay the $250.” – Velonews.com

My two cents on the matter is that we are encouraging more people from the US to be on this Domestic Elite Squads, to pay the extra $250 and it seems we are trying to either discourage, or USAC is trying to make more cash from the visiting teams from other countries.

Where the Women Fit In

While riders earn paychecks, the top U.S. women’s teams, like PB & Co. and Webcor Builders, have been recognized officially as elite amateur programs by the UCI and USA Cycling. The new registration designation won’t change that, but Rice did hope it would add even more organization to women’s domestic racing.

“I think that providing more structure is better,” said Rice, who ran the Aaron’s team for three years. “If these women are getting paid even a small amount of money to travel and race their bikes, they’re a pro athlete in my mind. Whether that meets the UCI designation is another issue.”-Velonews.com

I read fluff.  That’s my humble opinion.  Most women are elite amateur’s due to the lack of funds for living the life as a pro-cyclist.   Teams such as Team Vera Bradley and PB & Co.

Riders Feedback

I’ve reached out to a few of my friends that are “domestic elite” or “elite amateur” racers.   We’ll hear first hand their feelings on this new team structure.

Original Source : Velonews.com