WHY NICA?
HOW NICA PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG ADULTS
WHAT IS NICA?
The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (aka NICA) was founded in 2009 as a program across the United States that allows student-athletes to race mountain bikes. NICA’s mission is to build strong minds, bodies, character, and communities through cycling.
HEALTHY HABITS THAT NICA ENFORCES:
Every youth is empowered to be part of a thriving and engaged cycling community. Enrolling your kids in the NICA program can benefit them in the following ways:
- Community of like-minded kids
- Mental fortitude
- Teaches kids grit and competition
- Positive role-models
- Healthy active habits
- Gets children off their devices and outdoors
- Teaching proper trail etiquette
- Training athletes’ skills for riding safely
TRAIL BUILDING
Last year, in Utah, NICA had over 10,000 hours of trail work that was completed. This year, the league has grown, which means even more trail work will be completed by students and coaches. This helps students understand the importance of taking care of and maintaining their local trails.
TEAMWORK
Cycling races do not have an “us against them” mentality. It’s more us against the trails. The student-athletes and parents are cheering for every racer and know how difficult it is to complete these courses. The comradery between the different teams allows the students to make friends from different schools. Students also have the opportunity to join additional programs like the GRiT (Girls Riding Together) or the ROLEUR DEVO Racing Team which can introduce them to new teammates during the off-season.
SHOULD I ENROLL MY KID IN NICA?
There is no bench in mountain biking, everyone gets to ride. Whether your kid’s goal is to race for the podium or simply finish the race, your child will have a place in NICA. With NICA growing each year, it’s no surprise that it has become one of the biggest extracurricular activities. Across the national league, in 2020, there were 14,704 registered High School student-athletes and 10,557 middle school athletes. Total of 25,261 student-athletes!
WHAT IF I CAN'T AFFORD A BIKE?
NICA is an inclusive program that does not turn students away. There are scholarship programs available for those that need financial assistance. There is also a loaner bike program for students that don’t have, or cannot afford a bike.
ELEVATE PROGRAM
NICA is partnered with the Elevate program which provides alternative routes and additional assistance for students with special needs. The league and teams can integrate student-athletes during races, practices, and events during the NICA season. This allows students with Down’s Syndrome, autism, vision and hearing impairment, severe anxiety, and riders with missing limbs the opportunity to race throughout the season. Each rider has a volunteer assisting them at all times to ensure safety and help with their needs. The Elevate program is an amazing program and if you have questions about this program you can email Dallen at dallen@utahmtb.org for any additional information.
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
Adults get to be involved and practice with student-athletes, which is very unlike any other high school sport. To become a coach for your school, extensive training and vetting is required to be able to coach properly. The league relies heavily on adult volunteers to help train and ride with the student-athletes. You can volunteer or become a coach by getting in contact with your local NICA team.
“I have been coaching for the Utah NICA league for 11 years now. It has been an amazing experience being able to watch these student athletes grow in all aspects of their lives, with the mountain bike being the medium to help them gain confidence, experience success and grow from failures.” – Seth Bradley, DNA Partner/Founder/Creative Director
