Dear readers,
We have received a number of letters from readers complaining about USA Cycling’s plans to “outsource” its membership services to a contractor in India named “HelloDehli.” The story, which appeared on this website on Sunday April 1st, was an example of a long tradition at VeloNews, namely the April Fools Day news story. We regret any confusion this story generated and would like to assure readers that USA Cycling has no plans to outsource its services to contractors, be they overseas or in the United States. - Editor

USA Cycling outsourcing membership services
Faced with a budget shortfall due to declining sponsorship and a subsequent need to cut costs, USA Cycling will shift responsibility for its membership services to a call center in New Delhi, India, according to a press release from the national governing body.

The move will eliminate five staff positions at USA Cycling headquarters in Colorado Springs, a spokesman said.

"Nobody is happy about the layoffs, but we were facing a situation where we were going to be unable to accommodate the needs of our membership," said Anne D. Lee, deputy assistant communications director.

"HelloDelhi has years of experience managing customer care issues for some very sizable corporations, and we feel certain that the switchover will be transparent and seamless as far as the membership is concerned."

Lee would not give the names of those layoffs, calling the matter a personnel issue. CEO Steve Johnson was at the UCI track world championships in Palma de Majorca, Spain, and could not be reached for comment. Phone calls to HelloDelhi went unanswered.