About
M I S S I O N
Star Track is a free, urban youth outreach program created to teach New York City area kids the fundamentals of track cycling at Kissena Velodrome in Queens. Founded in 2004, Star Track has helped thousands of children — many from under-resourced areas of the city — discover the joys and benefits of bicycle racing and has been repeatedly designated a USA Cycling Center of Excellence. The Star Track program provides the opportunity to join a competitive cycling team with elite riders from across the country, and Star Track racers have earned more than 50 National Championship jerseys. Star Track is funded entirely by sponsors and private contributions, and thanks to this generous support, the program is fee-free for New York City children aged 8-16.
Deirdre Murphy Bader (Star Track Founder)
Deirdre Murphy Bader 1959-2014 founded the Star Track Youth program in 2004 with the goal of teaching children the discipline of track cycling at Kissena Velodrome.
Deirdre became a cycling world champion in 1997, winning the Masters World Championships in the road race, and went on to participate in the Olympic games in Sydney Australia in 2000, competing in the women's road race. Deirdre Murphy Bader's legacy continues with Star Track.
Stephanie Torres (Multiple US National Champ)
Stephanie Torres is a former Star Track program rider who recently graduated from Marian University where she earned a cycling scholarship, won several gold medals at Collegiate Nationals, and helped lead the cycling team to its eighth consecutive Division I championship.
Since then Stephanie has returned to coach the next generation of Star Track cyclists.
Joshua Hartmann (US Elite National Champ)
Josh Hartman is a Star Track graduate who made history as the first rider to come through the new Star Track race team. Alongside teammate Joe Christiansen, a two-time U.S. Elite gold medalist in the team sprint, Josh helped represent the next generation of elite American track cycling.
Since graduating, Josh has competed at the highest levels of the sport, including Nations Cups, World Championships, and Pan American Championships, gaining valuable international experience against the world’s best riders.
Josh now lives in Los Angeles, California, where he trains alongside the U.S. National Track Team at the Velo Sports Center in Carson, CA, continuing his development within the national program.
Greg Olsen
Board President
Greg Olsen has played a pivotal leadership role at Star Track Cycling for more than 15 years, serving on the Board of Directors for 13 years and as Board President for the past 11. He assumed the presidency following the passing of founder Deirdre Murphy Bader, continuing her legacy with a focus on growth, sustainability, and long-term impact.
In his role as President, Greg leads the organization’s strategic fundraising and external partnerships. He has been directly responsible for securing corporate sponsorships, cultivating relationships within the cycling and business communities, and elevating the organization’s visibility among key stakeholders. As Co-Chair of the annual gala—Star Track’s primary fundraising engine—Greg has helped transform the event into a highly successful and sought-after evening, including the record-setting 2025 gala featuring world-renowned cyclists Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins.
Greg’s efforts have significantly strengthened the organization’s financial foundation. Beyond securing major sponsorships and auction contributions, he has personally contributed to Star Track’s growth through consistent annual giving over the past 15 years, including a leadership gift of $50,000 in 2025 to establish the organization’s first endowment.
With help of Greg’s leadership, Star Track has experienced substantial growth, expanding from approximately 60 participants annually to more than 200 children each year. His continued focus on partnerships, fundraising, and organizational development ensures that the program remains strong, accessible, and positioned for long-term success.
Greg’s commitment to Star Track is rooted in his belief that when young people are given the opportunity to be active within a structured, team-oriented environment—one that emphasizes discipline, accountability, and fair competition—they build confidence, character, and habits that translate directly into lifelong success.
