U.S. college adds cycling to curriculum

A North Carolina college has added cycling to its curriculum. Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, N.C., is now offering a minor degree in bicycling studies with courses that range from cycling history to nutrition and athletic performance. The program is intended to complement the school’s championship-winning Division I collegiate cycling team.

College president Barry M. Buxton hopes graduates will be able to tap into the growing global bicycle market, which has revenues of more than $60 billion. “We want to give our cyclists another avenue in which to explore the ever-growing and dynamic world of cycling. Our students are talented riders and mechanics, and we want to provide them with opportunities outside of team racing,” said Buxton in a release. “With the College’s new cycling minor in place, our graduates can be extremely competitive in the cycling industry as coaches, managers, officials, planners, ream directors, designers, promoters, trainers, etc.”

The program’s goals include promoting the art and science of the bicycling industry, providing quality education to support the knowledge and skills of bicycling competitors and enthusiasts, promoting bicycle safety and preparing future generations of bicyclists. The college started accepting enrollment in the new program in January.

“Programs in cycling education, such as Lees-McRae’s, will be instrumental in providing both the qualified personnel to meet the industry’s growing demands, and to continue building professionalism in our sport and industry,” said USA Cycling CEO Steve Johnson.

You can visit the college website here.