The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) is searching for a new executive director to replace its founder Matt Fritzinger so he can focus on developing high school mountain biking leagues at the state level.


NICA has established leagues in seven startes and received Project League applications from Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia to join its high-school mountain biking league. Project Leagues have access to select NICA services, providing them the needed public awareness, support, funding and momentum to become fully fledged chapter leagues.

NICA expects to induct three more state leagues from that group next year, bringing to 10 the number of states with NICA-sanctioned leagues. The organization's goal is to provide mountain biking opportunities to high school students coast to coast by 2020.


To accelerate development, Fritzinger will transition from his current role to focus on new league technical development and fundraising.


“NICA is a jet plane we have built together, and it has been a great thrill to be centrally involved in building it,” Fritzinger said. “This aircraft is ready to be handed over to a seasoned pilot, rather than someone who specializes in the creative work. I'm very excited about building new leagues where I can draw on a decade of operations experience. I also look forward to building relationships with new supporters who want to join this movement.'”



Fritzinger will remain as executive director whle NICA searches for a replacement. Interviews are being handled by NICA President, Rick Spittler.

Spittler said, “The idea of Matt transitioning from executive director to special projects was a joint decision by Matt and the NICA Board. Since Matt is continuing in his role until a new executive director is found, there will be no disruption in any races or day-to-day activities. Matt is simply refocusing to accommodate NICA’s incredible growth. He has built the organization from one league in Northern California to something that will be nationwide in the next decade, and now he’s going to focus solely on that goal.”


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, GU Sports, Kinetic, Maxxis, adidas Eyewear, CamelBak, Dirt Rag, Feedback Sports, Fort Lewis College, Fox Racing Shox, Mountain Bike Action, QBP, Ritchey Designs, Sidi America and WTB.