The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), a youth development organization governing high school mountain biking in the United States, announced Georgia as the newest state in its nationally-expanding high school cycling program, at a press conference during the annual Interbike trade show in Las Vegas.



“Georgia has a special place in mountain bike history, as the place where the sport was added into to the Olympic program, and we are pleased to welcome the Georgia league into the flourishing NICA community,” said Austin McInerny, executive director of NICA. “Dan Brooks, as a new league director, brings with him a powerful statewide grassroots movement that strongly supports his passion for mountain biking and youth development. Our national NICA staff have already started providing training and support as the Georgia league prepares for its inaugural season beginning March 2014.”


 

“We look forward to working with NICA to bring organized high school mountain bike racing to Georgia,” said Dan Brooks, director of the Georgia league. “Mountain biking is tremendously popular in this state, and a lot of students and their families will benefit from the NICA program. Georgia has ample infrastructure to support a high school mountain biking league and our robust cycling community will certainly make this a success.”

NICA's mission is to provide high school mountain biking coast-to-coast by 2020 and is well on the way to achieving this goal. With 10 current leagues, NICA has nearly 1,000 licensed coaches who are working with approximately 3,000 student-athletes.

 


 





From Left to Right: Kenny Griffin (Georgia Founding Committee), Eddie O'dea (Georgia Founding Committee), Austin McInerny (NICA Executive Director), Dan Brooks (Georgia Executive Director), Rick Spittler (NICA Board President). Photo Credit: Phil Beckman

 

Founded in 2009 as a 501(c)3 non-profit, Berkeley, CA-based NICA develops high school mountain biking programs for student-athletes and coaches 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 sponsors, donors and partners, including the founding national sponsor Specialized Bicycle Components; as well as establishing sponsors Easton Foundations, SRAM, and Trek Bicycles; major sponsors Sho-Air, Clif Bar & Company, Clif Bar Foundation, Primal Wear, Quality Bicycle Products, GU Sports, Kinetic, Maxxis, CamelBak, Feedback Sports, Fort Lewis College, Fox Racing Shox, Ritchey Designs, Cannondale, and Optic Nerve; media partners Mountain Bike Action, Dirt Rag, Cyclingnews, MTBR and Switchback