Cycling team named tops in nation

for the sport, is "a tribute to every rider on this team from our national-caliber athletes to the students who are giving bike racing a try for the first time and giving it their all," said MSU Cycling Coach Gary Achterberg.

The application for the award took many factors into account, including the team's performance. In addition to leading in four of the five categories in the South Central Collegiate Cycling Conference, Achterberg said that he also stressed the support that the team receives from individuals and community organizations, such as the Hotter 'N Hell Hundred.

MSU currently holds the top six conference spots in the men's Category A, first and third in women's Category A, first and second in both the men's and women's Category B fields and also has several riders near the top of the standings in men's Category C. MSU riders also earned medals in four events at the collegiate track nationals last September and finished second in the overall women's standings in the collegiate road national championships last May. MSU athletes have won 17 national championships in the 15-year history of the program.