The UMCA is inaugurating a new award to honor ultra cyclists who achieve excellence in several areas of the sport for three or more years. The Ultracyclist of Distinction is the highest award that an ultra cyclist can earn. To earn the Ultracyclist of Distinction honor a cyclist must demonstrate outstanding performance in three out of four consecutive years, with 2005 as the first year in which a rider can earn credit. Further, a rider must achieve distinction in at least two UMCA programs over the course of the four years. (A rider need not achieve distinction in two programs every year.)

The UMCA is a volunteer organization rider must also demonstrate significant service to the ultra cyclists during at least one of the years. The volunteer work must be the equivalent of a week of full-time service. Examples include producing an Ultracup event, leading Hub rides, chairing a program, compiling program statistics, contributing editor to the magazine, officiating RAAM, etc.

Each rider earning the Ultracyclist of Distinction will receive a plaque from the UMCA and will be honored in UltraCycling. The UMCA is also having a custom jersey or vest designed which will be available only to riders who earn the UCD distinction.

The programs and standards are:

	1. UMCA Year-Rounder Challenge. Earn at least Platinum (5000 miles). The Year-Rounder showcases consistent performance in cycling throughout the year. Riders earn certificates, medals and plaques and top riders are recognized in UltraCycling.
	2. Ultracycling Cup. Earn at least 85 total points. The UCC is a series of races to determine the best ultra racers of the season, with divisions based on age and gender. Riders earn medals and plaques and are eligible for prizes. Top riders are recognized in UltraCycling.
	3. Ultra Cycling Records. Set one or more records totaling at least 500 miles in one year. Setting a record is a significant achievement for an endurance cyclist and a great way to prepare for racing. Records are categorized by age and gender and may be set by solo riders, tandem riders and 2- or 4-person relay teams. Record setters are recognized in UltraCycling and are awarded plaques.
	4. RAAM Qualifying. Qualify for the Race Across America, except by completing Team RAAM, which is included below. RAAM-qualified riders receive a UMCA plaque and are recognized in UltraCycling.
	5. Race Across America. Complete solo or team RAAM (two-, four- or eight-person).

Starting with 2005 the UMCA will automatically track riders participating in these programs. All riders who achieve excellence in two (or more) programs in three out of four years will be noted. To achieve the UltraCyclist of Distinction, 2007 will be the first year when UCD honorees will be recognized.