The 2016-17 academic year has been a good one for the Cycling Knights. Marian University's program was named the USA Cycling Collegiate Varsity Club of the Year. When USA Cycling announced its fall 2016 Academic All-Stars, 14 Marian University student-athletes were among just 69 nationally to earn the honor.

The stellar season also included a fifth-straight national title for BMX cyclists, a first-place finish at the track nationals, first-place finish in the national Omnium competition, a second-place finish in the cyclocross nationals, a conference championship for the mountain bike team, and a third-place finish in the mountain bike nationals.

Other highlights:

• Senior student-cyclist Zachary Carlson was selected to represent the United States at the 2016 Pan American Track Championships.
• 2016 Marian University graduate Coryn Rivera was the first American to win the historic Tour of Flanders race, leading as the top female professional cyclist in the world.
• A student mechanic program was launched at Marian University. The first of its kind in collegiate cycling, it will pair developing mechanics with athletes in real-world competitive settings.
• The university hosted the 21st annual Marian Midwest Classic.
• Head coach Dean Peterson won a Masters World Championship title in Manchester, England. One of the top collegiate cycling coaches in the country, Coach Peterson is in his 11th season at the helm of Marian’s thriving program.
• Dozens of new team members from across the nation were recruited in addition to two Australian student-athletes (Isabella Penglase, a BMX and downhill racer and Bryce Stroud, a BMX and MBT racer).
• Team members and coaches traveled throughout the central United States for conference and championship competitions this year.

If you are interested in competitive collegiate cycling (or another sport) at Marian University, complete our recruiting questionnaire. Coaching staff will be notified of your interest. If you are more of a fan than a competitor, you’ll find schedules, team rosters, ticket information, and more at muknights.com.