LONG BEACH, CA On May 11, 2018, USA Cycling announced the establishment of the Jacquelyn Crowell Memorial Women’s Cycling Fund. Dedicated to the 30-year-old Georgia native who passed away April 25 following a five-year battle with cancer, the fund honoring the former professional cyclist will be dedicated to supporting the women’s road and track development programs of USA Cycling. The announcement was made by Bob Stapleton, Chairman and Member at Large, USA Cycling at the pre-race press conference for the Amgen Tour of California where Crowell served for two years as one of the race’s official Ambassadors.
A favorite among fellow cyclists and fans alike, “Jackie” began racing her bike as a junior rider, qualifying for the U.S. National Team in 2006 and attending the UCI Junior World Road Championships in Spa, Belgium. She remained a National Team rider for the next seven years while she was enrolled at the University of Florida, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2011. She won four National Championships in her cycling career, including the U23 Individual Time Trial in 2009 and the Points Race on the track in 2012.
“Jackie Crowell was a true champion in every aspect of her life, and USA Cycling is proud to honor her legacy through this memorial fund,” said Steve McCauley, Director of Donor and Program Services, USA Cycling Foundation. “Jackie will truly be remembered as a competitor who gave it her all whether training, competing or giving back to the sport she loved so much. She never shortchanged herself, her teammates or the fans who came to watch her compete.”
Crowell signed her first professional contract with Team Type 1 and later raced for the UnitedHealthcare and Exergy-Twenty16 teams before ultimately becoming a USA Cycling Certified Coach and Training Peaks coach, working with junior riders at the Dick Lane Velodrome in Georgia.
Crowell was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in October 2013 and underwent surgery and subsequent treatment for the next five years. While no longer competing on the professional tour, Crowell continued to train and in 2014 was able to participate in the Amgen Tour of California’s individual women’s time trial in an Amgen Breakaway from Cancer® skinsuit representing the initiative which she also worked as a spokesperson for.
Jackie’s husband Daniel Holt shared, “While I and the entire family are deeply saddened by Jackie’s passing, it is both refreshing and heartwarming to see the Jackie Crowell memorial fund set up. It brings us all joy to think that Jackie’s spirit will live on through the next generation of female heroes in a sport we all love.”
In Jackie’s honor, AEG, owners and producers of the Amgen Tour of California, have produced special stickers embossed with the initials JC which will be distributed to each of the men’s and women’s competitors to affixed to their helmets and worn by race staff, media members and fans during this year’s race which is set to begin on Sunday, May 13 in Long Beach, California.
“Jackie’s spirit, love for the sport of cycling and unselfish and giving nature will always be remembered by those of us who had the privilege of knowing her, cheering for her and working with her at the Amgen Tour of California,” said Kristin Klein, President, Amgen Tour of California and At Large Representative, USA Cycling Board of Directors.
Gifts to the fund may be made on-line HERE or sent directly to the USA Cycling Foundation, located at 210 USA Cycling Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80919. For more information, contact the Foundation at 719-434-4260.
