National Interscholastic Cycling Association

What National Interscholastic Cycling Association does

NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009 in Berkeley, California, and headquartered in Orinda, CA. It develops and operates the largest interscholastic mountain biking program in the United States, serving middle and high school student-athletes (currently 24,500+ registered across 1,055+ teams) through a federated network of 32+ leagues spanning 30+ states and an international affiliate in Australia. NICA's product platform comprises five core programs: Events & Racing (team-based inclusive competition with no cuts or tryouts), NICA Coach Education (a three-tier Coach License Program accessed through the Pit Zone registration platform), GRiT (Girls Riding Together, targeting 35% female participation by 2033 from current 24%), Teen Trail Corps (trail stewardship and advocacy), and NICA Adventure (experiential education). Supporting infrastructure includes the Pit Zone web platform (handling coach licensing, background checks, athlete registration, and course access), a Coach Education Center with required concussion and risk management curricula, and the NICA Store for branded merchandise.\n\nNICA operates as a community-led, federated organization in which national staff (51-100 employees across Programs, Finance, Development, and Marketing & Communications functions) provide curriculum, insurance, branding, national partnerships, and digital infrastructure, while semi-autonomous regional leagues handle on-the-ground program delivery, races, coach recruitment, and local fundraising. Leadership consists of President Amanda Carey (in role since 2017) and a national team with backgrounds in outdoor education, nonprofit development, and racing.\n\nRevenue is generated through five streams: tiered corporate sponsorships (Lead Partners Trek and SRAM/Rockshox; Platinum Partners Specialized and Shimano; ~25 additional Strategic, Corporate, Foundation, and Community Partners), individual donations via giving.nationalmtb.org, coach licensing fees, league and team registration fees, and merchandise sales through the NICA Store and partner storefronts. Distribution occurs through the 33-league network, the Pit Zone self-serve platform, regional race events, the annual NICA Conference (Bend, OR in 2026), and digital channels including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and the NICA Stories and Trailhead blogs.

Name

National Interscholastic Cycling Association

Legal name

National Interscholastic Cycling Association

Website

https://nationalmtb.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

NICA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that develops and operates the largest interscholastic mountain biking program in the United States, serving 24,500+ middle and high school student-athletes and 14,500+ volunteer coaches through 32+ leagues across 30+ states and Australia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Sports Development

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

National Governing Bodies (NGBs) (MPAKAFAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Endurance Sports Coaching & Training Camps (Running, Cycling, Triathlon, Swimming) (MPAKAJAH)

Keywords

• Youth mountain biking programs
• Interscholastic cycling leagues
• Coach education licensing
• Nonprofit youth sports
• Mountain bike racing events

Headquarters

HQ city

Orinda

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Corporate Sponsorships & Partnerships: NICA generates revenue through tiered corporate sponsorship arrangements with cycling and outdoor brands (Lead Partners, Platinum Partners, Strategic Partners, Corporate+ Partners, Corporate Partners, Community Partners, Foundation Partners). Sponsors provide cash funding and in-kind product/support.
2. Individual Donations: NICA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that relies on donations from individuals to fund operations and scholarships. Donors can give to the national fund or directly to local leagues.
3. Coach Licensing Fees: Volunteer coaches pay an annual license fee to register with NICA through Pit Zone. The fee supports background checks, platform access, and coach education resources.
4. League & Team Registration Fees: Leagues pay start-up fees and annual dues to operate under the NICA national umbrella. Teams and student-athletes pay registration fees per season (fall or spring).
5. NICA Store Merchandise Sales: NICA sells branded merchandise including team wear, accessories, and gear through the NICA Store and partner storefronts (e.g., Borah x NICA collaboration).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels14 records

Core offering

NICA operates a national network of interscholastic mountain biking leagues serving middle and high school student-athletes across 30+ U.S. states and Australia. The organization delivers inclusive racing programs, multi-level coach education and licensing, the Pit Zone registration platform, scholarships and grants, and complementary youth development programs including GRiT (girls' participation), Teen Trail Corps (trail stewardship), and NICA Adventure (experiential education).

Product overview

NICA operates as a nonprofit youth development organization offering a platform of interconnected programs centered on mountain biking. The core offerings include racing and team practice programs, coach education and licensing (with three levels), GRiT (Girls Riding Together) for female participation, Teen Trail Corps for trail stewardship, and NICA Adventure for experiential education. These programs are supported by the Pit Zone registration platform, league development services, and scholarship/grant programs (Trek Pathfinders Scholarship, GRiT Grants). The organization functions through a network of 33 leagues across states, with programs designed to build strong minds, bodies, character, and communities through cycling.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• NICA GRiT: Girls Riding Together - focused effort to bring more girls and women into cycling and increase female participation to 35% by 2033.
• Teen Trail Corps
• NICA Adventure
• Trek NICA Pathfinders Scholarship

Products and services

• Events, Racing & Team Practice NICA's core interscholastic mountain biking racing and team practice programs offer inclusive, team-based competition for middle and high school student-athletes across 30+ U.S. states, teaching discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship through participation and events with no tryouts and no benching.
• NICA Coach Education A three-level Coach License Program providing Leaders' Summit training, curriculum, membership support, and ongoing training to volunteer coaches, delivered through the Coach Education Center in Pit Zone.
• NICA GRiT (Girls Riding Together) An initiative to recruit and retain girls and female coaches in mountain biking, aiming to increase female participation from 24% to 35% by 2033 through equity-focused programs, grants, and community-building events.
• NICA Teen Trail Corps A program providing student-athletes opportunities for trail maintenance, advocacy activities, and community service, cultivating the next generation of trail stewards and advocates through hands-on stewardship work.
• NICA Adventure An adventure and experiential education program supporting leagues and coaches in social and emotional development through challenge-by-choice activities, building relationships and skills beyond the bike.
• Pit Zone NICA's registration and membership platform where coaches register, complete waivers, pay license fees, submit background checks, and access the Coach Education Center for courses, resources, and benefits.
• New League Development Program A comprehensive program guiding communities through the league formation process from bid submission to inaugural season, including resources, training, and risk management support over an 18-24 month timeline.
• Trek NICA Pathfinders Scholarship A scholarship partnership with Trek providing selected student-athletes with a Trek Marlin mountain bike, helmet, accessories, and stipends for league and entry fees to increase diversity and access for student-athletes of color.
• GRiT Grants Program Grant funding supported by the She Sends Foundation to help leagues and teams implement GRiT initiatives focused on recruiting and retaining female coaches and student-athletes.
• On-the-Bike Skills Courses Curriculum consisting of OTB 101 (required for Level 2/3 coaches) and OTB 201 (optional intermediate clinic) teaching fundamental mountain bike skills instruction methods through online and in-person clinics.

Quantifiable outcome

• NICA student-athletes logged approximately 66,913 community service hours through Teen Trail Corps in 2025 — equivalent to 15+ years of full-time staff effort in a single year.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

36 partnerships are on record, tiered lead partner, platinum partner, strategic partner, foundation partner, corporate+ partner, corporate partner, additional supporter, community partner and core.

• Trek Bicycle Corporationlead partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrek is NICA's Lead Partner and a founding sponsor. Trek provides equipment support (bicycles, components), financial sponsorship, and co-branded programs including the Trek NICA Pathfinders Scholarship (providing Trek Marlin mountain bikes, helmets, accessories, and fee stipends to selected student-athletes of color). Robert Burns, Trek's VP & Senior Legal Officer, serves as NICA Board Chair.
• SRAMlead partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerSRAM is a Lead Partner of NICA, providing component sponsorship (drivetrains, suspension) and financial support. SRAM also sponsors the SRAM Coach of the Year Award at the annual NICA Awards. Rockshox (a SRAM brand) is separately listed as a Lead Partner.
• Rockshoxlead partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerRockshox, a SRAM brand, is listed as a Lead Partner providing suspension component sponsorship and support for NICA programs and events.
• Specializedplatinum partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecialized is a Platinum Partner of NICA, providing bicycle and component sponsorship. The company is a founding partner of NICA and has been a consistent supporter since the early years of the organization.
• Shimanoplatinum partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerShimano is a Platinum Partner providing drivetrain and component sponsorship. Shimano supports NICA events, athlete programs, and league development.
• Borah Team Wearstrategic partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerBorah Team Wear is a Strategic Partner providing custom team apparel and merchandise, including a dedicated Borah x NICA storefront for branded team wear.
• TC Screenprintingstrategic partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerTC Screenprinting is a Strategic Partner providing screen printing services for NICA merchandise and team apparel.
• Strike Visualsstrategic partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrike Visuals is a Strategic Partner providing visual design and event branding services for NICA.
• Clif Family Foundationfoundation partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerClif Family Foundation is a Foundation Partner supporting NICA's mission through grant funding focused on youth development and outdoor access.
• Life Time Foundationfoundation partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerLife Time Foundation is a Foundation Partner supporting NICA. Tracy Paradise, VP Chief of Staff at Life Time, serves on the NICA Board of Directors.
• She Sends Foundationfoundation partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerShe Sends Foundation (founded by professional mountain biker Kate Courtney) is the Presenting Partner of NICA's expanded GRiT Grants Program. The foundation provides funding to support more girls and women in cycling through league and team-level GRiT initiatives.
• Fox Factory Trail Trustfoundation partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerFox Factory Trail Trust supports NICA's GRiT program and trail stewardship initiatives, providing funding for programs that increase female participation and trail access.
• Competitive Cyclistcorporate+ partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCompetitive Cyclist is a Corporate+ Partner offering exclusive discounts and services to licensed NICA coaches as part of the Coach Benefits program.
• Canyon Bikescorporate+ partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCanyon is a Corporate+ Partner providing bicycle sponsorship and exclusive coach benefits for NICA's licensed coach community.
• Terry Bicycles / Terrycorporate partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTerry Bicycles is a Corporate Partner and supporter of NICA's GRiT program, providing women's cycling apparel and sponsorship of female-specific programming.
• The Feedcorporate partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Feed is a Corporate Partner providing nutrition and food products for NICA coaches and athletes, with exclusive benefit offerings.
• Woomcorporate partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWoom is a Corporate Partner specializing in kids' bicycles, offering exclusive discounts to NICA coaches and supporting youth participation in mountain biking.
• Yakimacorporate partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorYakima is a Corporate Partner providing bike racks and outdoor adventure equipment, offering exclusive coach benefits for NICA's licensed coach community.
• Rudy Project North Americacorporate partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRudy Project is a Corporate Partner providing helmets and eyewear with exclusive discounts for NICA coaches as part of the Coach Benefits program.
• POCcorporate partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPOC is a Corporate Partner providing helmets and protective gear with exclusive coach discounts.
• Sariscorporate partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSaris is a Corporate Partner offering bike racks and indoor trainers with exclusive NICA coach discounts.
• 100 Percentcorporate partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor100% is a Corporate Partner providing performance eyewear and goggles with exclusive discounts for NICA coaches.
• One Up Componentscorporate partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOne Up Components is a Corporate Partner offering mountain bike component accessories with exclusive NICA coach discounts.
• Michelincorporate partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMichelin is a Corporate Partner providing bicycle tires with exclusive NICA coach benefits.
• Cognative MTBcorporate partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCognative MTB is a Corporate Partner supporting NICA with cycling-related products and services offered as exclusive coach benefits.
• IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association)additional supporterStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMBA is an Additional Supporter of NICA, collaborating on trail stewardship education and advocacy. IMBA's Teen Trail Corps page and articles document the partnership. IMBA World Summit mentioned in context of student-athlete representation.
• PeopleForBikesadditional supporterStrategic or Co-development PartnerPeopleForBikes is an Additional Supporter of NICA, providing advocacy and coalition support for cycling infrastructure and access. Co-branded content appears on Teen Trail Corps pages.
• Positive Coaching Allianceadditional supporterStrategic or Co-development PartnerPositive Coaching Alliance is an Additional Supporter providing youth sports coaching research and training resources aligned with NICA's coach education philosophy.
• TrueSport (USADA)additional supporterStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrueSport (an initiative of USADA) is an Additional Supporter providing clean sport education and resources for youth athletes and coaches.
• USA Cyclingadditional supporterStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSA Cycling is an Additional Supporter of NICA, providing pathway connections between high school and competitive cycling.
• Crankbrotherscommunity partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCrankbrothers is a Community Partner providing pedals and tools with exclusive NICA coach discounts. Sponsored the Crankbrothers Dream Bike Giveaway for NICA coaches.
• Feedback Sportscommunity partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFeedback Sports is a Community Partner offering bike trainers and workshop equipment with exclusive coach benefits.
• VelociRaxcorporate partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVelociRax is a Corporate Partner providing bike storage and transport racks with exclusive discounts for NICA coaches.
• Kate Courtney (She Sends Foundation)foundation partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerKate Courtney, professional mountain bike world champion and NICA ambassador, founded the She Sends Foundation which is the Presenting Partner of NICA's GRiT Grants Program. She is a visible advocate and athlete representative for NICA.
• University of Utah Healthadditional supporterStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Utah Health is an Additional Supporter of NICA, providing healthcare and sports medicine resources and connections.
• NICA AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNICA Australia (nicaausmtb.org.au) operates as an international extension of NICA's model, bringing interscholastic mountain biking to Australian youth. This is the only international league mentioned and represents NICA's primary geographic expansion beyond the U.S.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves14 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• USA Cycling: National governing body for competitive cycling in the United States. Directly comparable as the umbrella national cycling federation, with NICA effectively functioning as the scholastic/youth arm and listed as a partner.
• USA BMX: National governing body for BMX racing in the United States. Closely comparable as a national cycling discipline federation with youth racing leagues, sanctioning, and grassroots development infrastructure analogous to NICA's mountain bike model.

Broad incumbents

• USA Track & Field: National governing body for track and field, cross country, and road racing in the US. Comparable as a national federation with youth participation programs, sanctioned events, and coach education pathways analogous to NICA's model.
• National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS): The national organization that oversees interscholastic athletics and activities across US high schools. Comparable in governing school-based youth sports nationally, though NICA operates outside the traditional NFHS structure.
• Little League International: The largest youth sports organization in the world, operating a chartered local-league model similar to NICA's federated structure. Highly comparable business model (community leagues, registration fees, sponsorships, volunteer coaches) at much larger scale and longer history.
• Pop Warner Little Scholars: National youth football and cheerleading organization with a chartered-league structure analogous to NICA. Comparable in operating a nonprofit membership model with national standards and local league execution.
• Amateur Athletic Union (AAU): National nonprofit that sanctions youth sports including leagues, tournaments, and championships across multiple disciplines. Comparable as a multi-sport youth governance and event organization with similar volunteer-coach economics.

Others

• International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA): National mountain bike advocacy organization focused on trail access and stewardship. Directly comparable mission (growing mountain biking participation) and listed as an Additional Supporter and partner of NICA's Teen Trail Corps.

Regional players

• National Ski Areas Association (NSAA): Trade association representing ski area operators and supporting youth snow sports development. Comparable as a national organization enabling youth participation in an outdoor, equipment-intensive sport through coordinated events and programming, though operating in a different season/geography.

Emerging players

• USA Triathlon: National governing body for triathlon in the United States, with growing youth development programs. Comparable in building endurance sport pipeline from grassroots to elite, and NICA athletes frequently cross over into triathlon (NICA staff include former triathletes).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@nationalmtb/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/NationalMTB
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nica_2
• Instagraminstagram.com/nationalmtb
• Xx.com/nationalmtb

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about National Interscholastic Cycling Association