Canberra, ACT, September 30, 2025 — The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), a U.S.-based youth development mountain biking organization, is officially launching its first international programming in Australia with team formation beginning in November.
NICA is the largest youth mountain biking network in the U.S., serving over 25,000 athletes and 15,000 volunteer coaches across the country annually. As a nonprofit, NICA organizes cross-country mountain biking programs and events, but its work extends beyond the sporting aspect of cycling: its mission is dedicated to building strong minds, bodies, character, and communities using bikes as the catalyst. Programs are team-based and driven by local coach volunteers, who receive training and education from NICA.
Over the past year, NICA trialed programming in Australia through a series of "Give it a Go" events, with the goal of showcasing its inclusive and empowering programs for riders aged 12-17. NICA's cross-country style riding focus is intentional, creating an accessible environment where both experienced riders and beginners can thrive. As for the introduction to Australia? "The Give it a Go events were a huge success," said Lynn Frerichs, General Manager for NICA Australia. "It's clear that our mountain biking scene is thriving, and there is an appetite for this kind of team-supported mountain biking for kids here." At the final capstone event in February, over 140 young athletes participated, filling the Stromlo Trails in Canberra with riders and families.
In its upcoming inaugural season, NICA Australia is focusing on creating new teams around the ACT, southern NSW and High Country VIC, with the goal to expand to other regions in future years. Programs are run locally by adult volunteers, and anyone who is interested is encouraged to reach out. "We want to connect with anyone who has a desire to get kids outside, off screens, and participating in a fun, healthy activity," said Frerichs. "You do not need to have experience with mountain biking or coaching – we're looking for people who are excited to improve kids' lives and their local communities using bikes."
NICA Australia will provide comprehensive coach education and training, infrastructure, insurance, screening, and resources for teams to get started – it only takes one interested individual to begin a team. Eddie Freyer, Strategic Advisor for NICA Australia, has led NICA programs in two states in the U.S. He says teams tend to grow quickly once the word spreads: "Kids who might not find their home in other traditional sports will often fall in love with mountain biking. And NICA's philosophy is that every kid should get to ride. There are no try-outs, and every single kid gets to participate, because we meet them where they're at in terms of skills and goals."
But it isn't just youth who benefit, according to Frerichs. "It's a unique sport where parents are able to ride along at practices and build skills with the kids," she said. "In NICA, the adult volunteers have just as much fun as the kids." Across the U.S., NICA boasts 15,000 coaches, and over 75 percent of those coaches are parents of participants.
"We're excited to bring NICA's impact to a global audience and create opportunities for kids to thrive – especially in Australia, where there's such a vibrant cycling and sports culture," said NICA U.S. President Amanda Carey. "We believe that every kid deserves a sports experience where they can participate and belong – our goal is to share programs that foster both a lifelong love of cycling and a sense of community. Bringing NICA to a wider audience will help us achieve our goal of reaching even more kids with the transformative power of bikes."
Trek, a lead NICA sponsor in the United States, provided support for the initial exploration of Australian programming last year. "In our screen-based world, kids need the opportunity to get outside and move their bodies in a supportive environment," shared Phil McGlade, Asia Pacific Managing Director of Trek. "We've seen the mental health benefits of NICA firsthand, along with the supportive communities that are formed as a result, and we know we've got an important duty to share this with more people."
The NICA season down under will begin soon, with registration opening for teams on November 1. The organization is actively looking for interested riders, coaches, and families. Businesses are encouraged to inquire regarding sponsorship.
Visit nicaausmtb.org.au to learn more, or connect with the NICA team at Sea Otter Australia from October 24-26.
