Marian University alumnus Matt Gittings (2015 – sports performance) will join the staff of the Indy Cycloplex, home of the Major Taylor Velodrome (MTV), this summer as program manager. Gittings will work with Executive Director Dean Peterson and Track Coach Nathan Schickel to coordinate and execute velodrome weeknight programming and event days, focusing on rider development, especially through junior programming.
Originally from Reading, England, Grittings has 17 years of race experience, including riding or racing approximately 50 velodromes all over the world. He is a two-time British Elite Derny National Champion (2012, 2014) and earned eight USA Cycling Collegiate National Titles while racing at Marian University. He has raced a number of six-day competitions, and most recently participated in the World Cycling League event in California earlier this year.
Beyond racing, Gittings is a UCI-certified motorpace driver and will bring that experience and knowledge to all motorpacing sessions at Major Taylor Velodrome, as well as use his track cycling knowledge to coach and develop all riders of all levels.
“Matt’s desire and ability to build and guide a larger track rider base will be a real boost to the work we have already done to rebuild track racing in the Midwest, and an asset to our cycling community,” said Peterson. “He has a very unique track-specific background and brings a global perspective to velodrome racing and programming that makes him a one-of-a-kind hire.”
Gittings joins the Indy Cycloplex staff during a big 2016 season, which includes hosting USA Cycling’s Masters Track National Championships in August and a UCI Cyclocross weekend in December at the Major Taylor Velodrome, as well as more than twenty other event days on the track, and a full schedule at the adjacent BMX track. He will also serve as a part-time member of the Marian University Cycling Team coaching staff in the track discipline.
About Marian University Indianapolis
Marian University, founded in Indianapolis in 1937, is the only Catholic liberal arts university in central Indiana. It serves a student body of nearly 3,000 through dedication to excellent teaching and learning in the Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. Marian University is one of Indiana’s 31 independent colleges and one of 244 Catholic colleges and universities nationwide.
Since 2001, Marian University has been led by President Daniel J. Elsener, whose vision and leadership are transforming the university. In 2013, Marian University opened the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences, home to its College of Osteopathic Medicine. Marian University has amassed 33 national championships in cycling, captured the NAIA Football National Championship in 2012 and 2015, and won the NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball Championship in 2016.
About the Indy Cycloplex
Formerly known as the Lake Sullivan Sports Complex, the Indy Cycloplex came under the management of Marian University in a partnership with the City of Indianapolis starting in April 2011. With support from Mayor Greg Ballard and the Indianapolis City County Council, the University is leading the effort for a new era for this historic city park, the home of the Major Taylor Velodrome and a newly-renovated BMX track with regular programming. Many opportunities exist to promote health and fitness to residents of all ages, create a nationally-recognized competitive cycling facility that hosts local, regional, and national races and events in five cycling disciplines year-round, as well as engage the community in unique ways. Positioned to be a destination for regular regional- and national-caliber cycling competitions and events, the Cycloplex is also locally a hub for cycling of all types. Components of the community efforts have included include children’s day camps, an urban garden, and a weekly farmer’s market. To learn more, visit www.indycycloplex.com.