EF Pro Cycling and team bicycle supplier Cannondale, along with USA Cycling, have committed to expanding diversity by introducing new cycling programs at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and tribal colleges and universities (TCUs).

The new initiative, an initial three-year commitment, will begin in 2021 and will establish two new university cycling programs, one at an HBCU and one at a TCU, the team said.

"In year one, the team (EF) and Cannondale will support coed cycling teams at these schools through equipment, funding, and mentoring.

The move was apparently inspired by the launch earlier this year of the first HBCU cycling team in the US through the College of Business, Management and Technology at St. Augustine's University in Raleigh, North Carolina. [Dennis Kim, vice president of marketing for Cannondale's parent company, Cycling Sports Group, said, "When the dialogue on racial equality came to a head in the U.S., we listened, we learned, and we made a lasting impact and explored ways we could make a lasting impact and provide young black and indigenous people with the sport of cycling. We looked for ways we could make a lasting impact and provide access to the sport of cycling for young black and indigenous people.

"What was important to Cannondale and EF was the multi-year commitment to work with these schools to increase participation.

"We believe that cycling is for everyone. But the reality is that not everyone feels welcome or has access today," said EF Pro Cycling President Mary Wittenberg.

"We want to help increase the diversity of our sport, starting with racial diversity in American cycling. Because success requires an inclusive, industry-wide approach, we consulted with USA Cycling to discuss how best to focus our energies while working with other athletes, from elementary school students to master age athletes, who are seeking assistance. [USA Cycling CEO Rob DeMartini said, "As the governing body of the sport, USA Cycling believes we have a unique opportunity to expand participation in cycling. We are pleased to launch this program with EF and Cannondale as part of our investment in the rebuilding of collegiate cycling.

"Cycling faces many of the same challenges found throughout society today, and we believe that by working directly with HBCU and TCU communities, we can begin to open doors with the help of our industry partners.

As part of the collaboration between EF Pro Cycling and the "Palace" skatewear brand, there is also a chance to win two specially painted Cannondale bikes used in this year's Giro d'Italia.

Further details will be announced shortly, but proceeds from the upcoming bike raffle will be donated to two new collegiate cycling teams with the hope of increasing the number of programs in the future.

Colleges and universities interested in applying for the program can visit [email protected].