The present invention relates to a fan cylinder bracing system for a cooling tower having a fan deck that extends along a longitudinal axis. The bracing system has a first ring having a first diameter wherein the first ring is located at a first position along the longitudinal axis. It also has a second ring having a second diameter wherein the second ring is located at a second position along the longitudinal axis. Finally, the cylinder bracing system has a first brace connected to the first ring and said second ring, wherein said first brace transfers loads from the first ring to the second ring.