Advanced Sports International's Karen Bliss is the newest industry representative on USA Cycling's road committee. Bliss, a former pro road racer, was nominated to the spot by Shebeest national sales manager Dorothy Nichols, who is the industry representative on USA Cycling's mountain bike committee.
"Karen was a professional road racer who decided to stay in the industry, which is uncommon. Her passion and confidence are key mentoring characteristics for women in the racing world," said Nichols. "USAC needs to foster the existing woman's membership, as well as seek new lifelong members in the sport. Karen will aid in the momentum to expand the world of racing."
Bliss, ASI's vice president of marketing, will serve a three-year term on the committee. She replaces Shimano American's Wayne Stetina, whose term recently expired.
"I look forward to working with committee members, the board and staff of USA Cycling to help grow the sport of cycling across the country. I am particularly focused on growing membership through investing in women's cycling. There are extremely talented, passionate women racing — I want to see them afforded the same opportunities as those in the pro men's ranks," said Bliss.
Besides Bliss and Nichols, other industry representatives on USA Cycling committees are Cycling Sports Group's Steve Spencer on the BMX committee and Lazer Sport's Christopher Smith on the cyclocross committee.
