Tragic Crash Claims Local Rider Nicole Reinhart From USACYCLING.org One of the top female road cyclists in the United States, Nicole Reinhart, 24, was killed Sunday, Sept. 17, following a crash on the course at the BMC Software Tour of Arlington bicycle race, outside of Boston. Reinhart grew up near Trexlertown, Pa., where she got into a cycling development program after she competed in gymnastics. She quickly became a promising track cyclist and, during the past two years, blossomed into one of the nation's best road sprinters. An elite and junior national champion, Reinhart was instrumental in helping the Saturn Women's Cycling Team attain a number one world ranking at the end of the 1999 season. "Everyone on the U.S. Olympic Team is saddened by this tragic news. All of the athletes and staff on the U.S. Olympic team worked with and trained and raced with Nicole over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Reinhart family. We will dedicate our efforts in Sydney to Nicole," said U.S. Olympic Team Leader Sean Petty. The word 'Nicole' with two hearts was worn on U.S. Olympic track team helmets during Monday evening's action. After winning three previous BMC sponsored events, Reinhart was poised to win the $250,000 prize that was being offered to any rider who could a attempting to complete a four-race sweep of the BMC Grand Prix. BMC Software will be taking the $250,000 bonus money from the BMC Grand Prix and will work with USA Cycling and the Reinhart family to create a foundation in memory of Nicole. By virtue of winning the first three BMC Grand Prix races, Reinhart was in line to win the quarter-million dollar bonus. Donations may be sent to the address listed below. Nicole L. Reinhart Memorial Fund c/o The Ludwick Funeral Home, Inc. P.O. Box 25 Topton, PA 19562 "She was very happy competing in road cycling, and was a great friend both on the bike and off," said U.S. Olympic Track Cycling team member Tanya Lindenmuth. "I remember her helping me during my junior career with standing starts, and I will always remember her smile and desire to help people." "It was a complete shock to hear the tragic news, and we will represent Nicole to the best of our abilities." "She was a great friend and I will always remember her smile, her laugh and the fun times we spent together." "It was a big blow to me. I found out before my race Monday. She was a close friend and extremely talented rider. We have to stay focused, strap on the helmet and do our best at the Olympics. But, we will be thinking about Nicole," said 1996 Olympic silver medallist Marty Nothstein. "Her death is a tragic loss to the sport and the Trexlertown community. She will be missed, but never forgotten." An announcement about the services will be announced at a later date.