Really interesting read and I agree with most all of it. The one part that I might disagree is this: "After years of NCAA participation, the hope is that cycling becomes more mainstream, eventually leading to the formation of numerous high school cycling programs. It’s an ambitious goal, but far from impossible."
High school (NICA) programs have been forming and thriving throughout the country for years! Here in Utah it's by far the fastest growing sport.
Great point! Might be an interesting topic for me to explore in a future article. My hunch would be that NICA programs are more concentrated in western states like Utah, California, etc?
I'm not sure how many kids in NICA programs have the goal of joining collegiate teams vs. private devo/pro teams, but hopefully cycling can become like football or any other HS sport and become a reliable pathway for scholarships etc.
Indeed, I think the big growth of NICA has traditionally been out West but there's growing programs in the Midwest & East as well. I coached our NICA team for a few years and it's been really interesting to see where some of our student athletes decide to go based on Collegiate athletics and other factors.
Really interesting read and I agree with most all of it. The one part that I might disagree is this: "After years of NCAA participation, the hope is that cycling becomes more mainstream, eventually leading to the formation of numerous high school cycling programs. It’s an ambitious goal, but far from impossible."
High school (NICA) programs have been forming and thriving throughout the country for years! Here in Utah it's by far the fastest growing sport.
Great point! Might be an interesting topic for me to explore in a future article. My hunch would be that NICA programs are more concentrated in western states like Utah, California, etc?
I'm not sure how many kids in NICA programs have the goal of joining collegiate teams vs. private devo/pro teams, but hopefully cycling can become like football or any other HS sport and become a reliable pathway for scholarships etc.
Indeed, I think the big growth of NICA has traditionally been out West but there's growing programs in the Midwest & East as well. I coached our NICA team for a few years and it's been really interesting to see where some of our student athletes decide to go based on Collegiate athletics and other factors.