The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) has signed a landmark corporate partnership agreement with Jeep to be the league’s Official Vehicle Sponsor. With the partnership, Jeep becomes NICA’s first platinum level partner outside the cycling industry.


Jeep’s commitment to high school student-athletes and mountain biking further advances NICA’s mission of spreading the sport coast to coast by 2020.


“Jeep joining the NICA movement as the Official Vehicle Sponsor and promoting high school mountain biking is incredible,” said NICA Executive Director Matt Fritzinger. “Their financial support will be targeted where it matters most – the improvement and expansion of the sport to enable more student-athletes to strengthen body, mind and character.”


“NICA is doing great work in youth development, and we have been very impressed in our dealings with the organization thus far,” said Jay Weaver, Chrysler California Business Center Marketing Director. We are entering this with a view to building a long-term partnership that provides ongoing support of a wide range of NICA activities and programs.”


Jeep has long supported mountain biking in North America and Europe and will engage its dealer network to connect with and support teams at the local level. Jeep’s generosity to NICA will fund coaching, local leagues and improvements to the online PitZone – a resource for coaches and student-athletes.


The Jeep partnership coincides with NICA’s Feb. 26 spring season openers in Northern and Southern California.


“In 2012 we will have more than 2,000 student-athletes competing in 31 races in seven states, and that represents a 50 percent increase in participation, events and locations,” Fritzinger said. “These are exciting times for NICA, and seeing the hard work and training put in by student-athletes and coaches makes it all worthwhile.”


Spring Season
NorCal, Feb. 26-May 20
SoCal, Feb. 26-May 20
Texas, March 11-April 29
Washington, March 25-May 20


Fall Season
Utah, Sept. 8–Oct. 20
Colorado, Sept. 9–Oct. 21
Minnesota, Sept. 9–Oct. 21


 
Founded in 2009, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) is the National Governing Body for grades 9-12 interscholastic cross country mountain biking with the mission of developing strong minds, strong bodies and strong character in high school aged student-athletes through this competitive sport. NICA provides leadership, governance and program support to promote the development of interscholastic mountain biking leagues throughout the United States. 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 and Co., Primal Wear, QBP, Shimano, CamelBak, GU Sports, Kinetic, Maxxis, adidas Eyewear, Dirt Rag, Feedback Sports, Fort Lewis College, Fox Racing Shox, Mountain Bike Action, Ritchey Designs, WTB, and Yakima.