The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), which is creating high school mountain biking leagues nationwide, is expanding into Arizona, New York and Tennessee next, it accounced at a press conference during the annual Interbike trade show in Las Vegas.
“We are pleased to welcome the Arizona, New York and Tennessee leagues into the flourishing NICA community,” said Doug Selee, executive director of NICA. “The three new league directors bring with them a great passion for mountain biking and youth development. Moving forward, our national NICA team will provide training and support as they prepare for their inaugural seasons in 2013.”
These new leagues represent a major step toward NICA's mission of bringing high school mountain biking coast to coast by 2020.
The Arizona league adds to the NICA activity in southwestern USA, while the Tennessee and New York leagues create substantial east coast footprints and will help develop future leagues in their respective regions.
Mike Perry, director of the Arizona league, said, “We look forward to working with NICA to bring organized high school mountain bike racing to Arizona. Our state affords diverse venue opportunities, from Sonoran desert landscapes to forested regions, all with ample infrastructure to support racing.”
Jason Cairo, director of the New York league, said, “I am passionate about getting kids on bikes, so the opportunity to partner with NICA is huge for us in New York. The journey is already beginning for our coaches and we will be on fire and ready for our spring 2013 races.”
Katherine Williams, director of the Tennessee league, said, “When living in California, some of my favorite memories are coaching with the NorCal league. After moving back to Tennessee to open a bicycle shop, I was thrilled to learn that Tennessee could have a program just like NorCal and that others here had a similar goal. High school cycling is truly becoming a National movement!”
About the National Interscholastic Cycling Association
Founded in 2009, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) develops high school mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States. NICA provides leadership, services and governance for local leagues to produce quality mountain bike events, and supports every student-athlete in the development of strong body, strong mind and strong character through their efforts on the bike.
NICA exists by virtue of generous donors and sponsors, including the founding national sponsor, Specialized Bicycle Components, as well as Easton Foundations, JEEP, SRAM, Trek Bicycles, Clif Bar & Company, Primal Wear, QBP, GU Sports, Kinetic, Maxxis, adidas Eyewear, CamelBak, Dirt Rag, Feedback Sports, Fort Lewis College, Fox Racing Shox, Mountain Bike Action, Ritchey Designs, Sidi America and WTB.
