Alongside launch, SRAM announces $25,000 match-giving campaign to bolster league
Chicago, IL, September 25, 2025 — The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) has established its newest youth mountain bike league in Illinois, its 33rd U.S.-based league. The Illinois Interscholastic Cycling League joins NICA’s national network, furthering its mission to build and unify a youth mountain biking movement centered on youth development through sport.
While Illinois may not yet be widely recognized for its singletrack, the state is celebrated for its vibrant cycling culture, numerous cycling clubs, and an inclusive Midwestern ethos. “It’s the perfect place for NICA to expand,” said NICA President Amanda Carey. “All kids deserve the type of sports opportunities and programs that NICA provides. Our core values – fun, inclusivity, equity, respect, and community – will guide this league as it welcomes athletes and families into the NICA community.”
Illinois NICA League Director Micah Ariel-Rohr is enthusiastic about joining the national youth mountain bike movement, highlighting its unique inclusive nature: “It’s really an incredible sport opportunity. We welcome kids who participate in other sports, as well as kids who haven’t found their favorite activity yet,” said Ariel-Rohr. “NICA has no ‘bench’ and no tryouts. No one gets cut from the team, and everyone gets to participate in a way that fits their goals. We want every kid in Illinois to have the opportunity to benefit from NICA no matter their background or what their zip code is. Mountain biking is truly for everyone.”
Chicago-based SRAM, a leading NICA national partner and global leader in the cycling components industry, is playing a pivotal role in bringing NICA to Illinois. Beyond advocating for the league, SRAM is supporting its launch in an unprecedented way: the company will match the first $25,000 of donations raised for Illinois NICA, dollar-for-dollar, through November 16.
“At the heart of our community is a commitment to helping everyone discover the transformative power of bicycles,” says SRAM CEO Ken Lousberg. “With countless ways to enjoy cycling, we aim to maximize access while minimizing barriers. Getting NICA in Illinois is a major part of that strategy. We’re excited to give more kids the opportunity to enjoy mountain biking in our backyard.”
To help unlock the $25K match, youth cycling supporters are encouraged to make a tax-deductible gift to the Illinois League. These contributions will fund essential infrastructure for the young league, including general operations, community outreach, and efforts such as its Girls Riding Together (GRiT) initiative. “We’re grateful for gifts of any size that will help us lay the groundwork for league growth and forge a strong pathway to cycling for all youth in Illinois,” said Ariel-Rohr. “And with SRAM’s match, that initial impact is doubled.”
Rob Cappucci, Director of Advocacy and Industry Partnerships at SRAM, shared the excitement: “Standing up a NICA League in Illinois has been a SRAM goal for years and we are thrilled to help make it happen. We love to see more kids riding bikes, but what makes NICA so special is that it's about much more than riding. NICA understands and values the comprehensive benefits of cycling: physical and mental health, building social skills and confidence, and being part of a team. SRAM truly is proud to support NICA”
In addition to its matched donation campaign, the new Illinois league is seeking partners, volunteers, and interested athletes, teams, and coaches. Team activities for the new league will start in 2026, with events, racing, and other program activities scheduled later in the year.
Anyone interested in starting or supporting a NICA team in their area is encouraged to connect with the league immediately. “We want families to mark their calendars now and get excited,” said Ariel-Rohr. “As the league launches, one of the first things we need (beyond funding) is enthusiastic folks getting teams started in their communities.”
Interested parties can sign up for IL NICA news and indicate their participation interest now, to be first in line to learn about opportunities to engage with the new league.
