University of Maryland UMD Collegiate Cycling Team Website

The Ryan Collegiate Women’s All Star Team, sponsored by construction giant The Ryan Companies, is the result of a partnership between USA Cycling and the Nature Valley Grand Prix, a stage race ranked at the top of USA Cycling’s National Racing Calendar .

The team will be selected at the 2007 USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships, May 10-13, in Lawrence, Kan. Selection will be based on the final omnium standings. The Ryan Collegiate All-Star Team will be composed of eight riders from different collegiate teams, four from Division I and four from Division II, who are not members of teams already attending the Nature Valley Grand Prix.

“Each rider will be allowed to race in her own collegiate club jersey presenting a unique opportunity for college and university clubs to gain remarkable exposure,” said Daniel Matheny, USA Cycling’s National Collegiate Manager. “It will be also be a tremendous opportunity for talented collegiate riders to gain experience and respect on a national level and for fans to line the streets and cheer on their alma maters at the Nature Valley Grand Prix in June.”

As well as the honor of selection to the team, each all-star cyclist will receive free entry into the 2007 Nature Valley Grand Prix plus host housing, a team manager, an operating budget, clothing and a travel stipend.

“This isn’t just an honor for the best collegiate women cyclists,” added Matheny. “All of the country’s top professional and amateur teams attend the Nature Valley Grand. Team managers will be watching and collegiate women who ride well have a great shot at a pro contract.”