USA Cycling visiting Ogden

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OGDEN -- USA Cycling CEO Steve Johnson and four board members are visiting Ogden today, in what may be the next step in selecting a new home for the organization.

The national governing body of Olympic cycling is considering Ogden as one of two choices if it is displaced from its current home at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Johnson would not disclose the other location being considered.

He arrived in Salt Lake City on Thursday where he will meet with his "ad hoc relocation committee" and then travel to Ogden.

The group will be given a tour of downtown Ogden and the Salomon Center, talk about the city's future plans and discuss the details of the relocation package they are being offered.

The group will also be looking at proposed office space which is in or around the American Can Building, Johnson said.

"It all comes down to the final cost of moving our company," he said. "It's primarily financial."

Johnson said a final decision may be made by the end of November.

If the company does decide to move to Ogden, many of the 50 employees might not relocate, which would open the jobs for local residents.

"We could potentially be replacing 60 percent of our work force," Johnson said.

USA Cycling has received many offers from other cities trying to lure them to town. Earlier this year, Brownsville, Pa. offered to build an indoor velodrome to entice the organization to move there.

Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey thinks the organization's visit demonstrates it has a high interest in moving to Ogden.

"I'm not sure the community understands how big this is," Godfrey said. "We have to really shine to get them to move."

Godfrey would not comment on what is being offered as a financial incentive for USA Cycling to relocate. If an agreement is met, then the actual costs will be disclosed at a later date.

Jeff Robbins, CEO and president of the Utah Sports Commission, said the process of courting USA Cycling started 18 months ago and incentives being offered may include help with relocation costs and offers to partner on future events.

"People do site visits all the time," said Robbins. "It's very normal for a board of directors to come out and kick the tires."

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