Elite/Pro Athlete Application
⭐️ In Spring 2026, Homestretch will be on sabbatical. ⭐️
Read more about it here: What’s Next: 2027.
⭐️ Mark your calendar! Applications to Homestretch Foundation are open September 1-30th, 2026 for Tucson residencies starting Dec ‘26 - Mar ‘27. ⭐️
Please read our FAQ section about Homestretch 2.0 in 2027:
The Homestretch Foundation FAQs:
After ten years of the original Homestretch, what’s new for Homestretch 2.0?
Great question! In 2027, we’re offering a grant-based program for Homestretch 2.0. Financial grants will be given to three selected athletes who will use the funds to cover rent/utilities of a fully furnished rental home for three months in Tucson. Here are some of the details…
THREE athletes will be selected to receive financial grants that cover a 3-month rental home in Tucson, AZ from Dec 1, 2026 - Mar 1, 2027. Selected athletes will live together in one home.
Homestretch will guide the athletes in booking their Tucson rental home
Individuals or pairs (teammates, training partners) may apply for residence
Priority is first given to UCI Pro Tour/Continental road cyclists and National Team road cyclists preparing for LA 2028 Olympics, followed by Domestic Elite Team road cyclists, then MTB and track cyclists.
Applications will open September 1-30th 2026.
Applicants will be selected early October 2026.
I’m a professional or elite athlete interested in staying at The Homestretch Foundation. How exactly does it work? Is there an age requirement?
Very simple: You submit an application for residency, and if you meet our resident criteria you’ll go into the selection pool. If an application and resume are consistent with our criteria for potential resident-athletes, we then set up an interview by phone, video or in-person. We then make a decision as to whether we can offer residency to a prospective athlete. We absolutely love, appreciate and value diversity. We have accepted resident-athletes from a wide variety of personal backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures and countries. We do, however, screen our athletes first based on their socioeconomic circumstances and financial situation/need. Our priority in the ranking of resident-athletes is as follows:
1) Professional road cyclists 2) Domestic Elite road cyclists 3) Track cyclists
We accept applicants ages 21 and up, but prefer athletes 25 and up because local rental homes often have a 25+ age requirement. We do not offer housing for junior cyclists (18 & under).
Is there anything resident-athletes must do to receive a Homestretch grant while living in Tucson?
We require each resident-athlete to donate 90 minutes of weekly community service via “Spin with the Stretchies” easy-paced group ride participation on Friday mornings; a 60 min spin followed by coffee & conversation at Le Buzz Caffe.
All resident-athletes must sign a waiver and code of conduct during their time with Homestretch.
What is the average age range of Homestretch Foundation residents?
For the first ten years, our pro/elite athletes ranged from 19 to 41. Our average age is 29. We love seeing pro athletes thrive at every age.
How long may pro/elite athletes stay?
The residency period for Homestretch 2.0 grants is a three month block, starting Dec 2026 and will run from Dec 1 2026 - Mar 1, 2027. If you are not a U.S. resident, you must have a visa that allows you to stay in the United States for three months/90 days.
Homestretch has operated for 10 years. Who have you helped so far?
We're proud to share that our first decade was quite successful! From UCI teams, national teams, international pro athletes and regional elites, we’ve assisted:
104 pro/elite athletes: 97 women, 7 men
18 countries: USA, CAN, MEX, BRA, BER, SCT, GBR, AUT, NED, SWE, SUI, DEN, GER, GUA, AFG, AUS, KEN, NZL
6 different sports: Road cycling, track cycling, mountain bike, cyclocross, triathlon, rowing
7 Olympians: USA, MEX, AUS and CAN
2 Camps/Teams renting Homestretch in the off-season: Triathlon & Cycling
1 mission: Together we all move forward.
What do I need to bring with me?
The rental home supplies all basic housing needs, including bedding, towels, kitchen supplies, etc. We will provide bike pumps, stands, tools, stationary trainers. As in any rental home, you will abide by the legal rules and requests of the landlord.
Is wireless available?
Yes. But you still have to talk to other people in the house.
Does everyone train together and eat meals together?
Yes and no. Each athlete is here to work toward their goals in sport (and life), and follow their own training plan. However, many of our residents end up heading out on workouts together, or at least roll together for a while before going their own route/workout. We ask all our alumni residents to help show our new residents around Tucson bike routes when they first arrive. Between the many athletes residing at the house and the many popular group rides throughout Tucson, no one at the Homestretch will ever feel "alone on the bike."
As for meals, athletes are responsible for their own food. Most athletes combine their cooking/dining experiences, and we ask all athletes to sit at the community table during meal times and chat with each other. (Netflix can wait.) Yay togetherness. We even have an official cookbook that celebrates it all... Fresh from the Homestretch.
Please note: We prioritize the importance of healthy relationships with food at Homestretch. Especially in an influential, communal environment. Athletes struggling with eating disorders (and/or undiagnosed disordered eating patterns) are not permitted as residents. We very rarely encounter this dilemma, but we have sent athletes home before. We feel it’s important to address the topic up front for all prospective applicants. Homestretch is a safe haven for positive mental health and physical wellness.
Is there a "house mom" on the premises?
No. Homestretch 2.0 does not have a “chief resident” or “house mom.” The athletes we select to receive the housing grant are responsible for their own actions and are subject to follow the rules from their rental’s landlord.
I do/don’t have a car. How does that work?
The landlord will let you know how many cars are allowed at the property. If you don’t have a vehicle, not to worry. The rental house will be near a local shopping center, and we have a commuter bike available so you can easily fetch your needs at the grocery store, pharmacy, post office, coffee, etc. For longer excursions, taxis and Lyft/Uber can get you where you need to go.
As a cyclist, how close are we to great riding/training routes? Gyms?
The northeast side of Tucson offers some of the best cycling in Arizona. Mt. Lemmon, Saguaro East Monument, Colossal Cave, Redington Pass and Sonoita all begin in this area where the rental home will be located. CrossFit FIXX is within easy commuting distance and assists our athletes with gym needs!
If I'm not a pro cyclist/triathlete/runner, but I'm a female pro athlete in another sport, may I still apply for residency?
Yes. We're happy to hear your story and how being part of the Homestretch Foundation might help you thrive.
💥 Applications for 2027 will be live in September 2026. Check back then! 💥