BERKELEY, Calif. (BRAIN) — The news from the National Interscholastic Cycling Association is that Giro Sport Design, Kinetic Trainers and Primal clothing have each either continued or expanded their sponsorship for 2014. Meanwhile, NICA, which coordinates high school mountain bike racing leagues in nine leagues, is reporting record fundraising in 2013.
NICA’s 2013 Booster Club fundraising campaign culminated in the "Strong Finish" drive, which netted $36,000 in December and brought the year’s total to over $100,000.
Scott Tedro of Sho-Air topped a the list of cycling leaders contributing during the Strong Finish campaign. Others who made contributions include former pro mountain bike racers and Booster Club Honorary Board members Nat Ross, Ned Overend and Jimena Florit Dolzadelli, who each actively promoted the Strong Finish campaign.
Tedro said, "Not only is NICA good for the sport of cycling — as more kids are riding than ever before — but also NICA programs are motivating kids to get outside, experience the great outdoors and become both mentally and physically strong young adults who are going to be leaders in whatever they do. I am proud to support NICA's efforts as an event promoter, business owner and Booster Club member.”
Austin McInerny, NICA’s executive director, said, “I am grateful and proud of the way mountain bikers have come forward, from leaders to casual riders, to make financial contributions to the future of mountain biking and cycling in the USA. Our ability to meet the growing demand for high school cycling will be met in years to come by Booster Club members. Simply put, this is about mountain bikers supporting the growth of mountain biking.”
Industry sponsors step up.
Giro, which has previously sponsored individual NICA programs, is stepping up to a Gold-level national level sponsorship this year. Giro will be the official helmet brand of the league; its sponsorship includes product and money.
“Supporting both mountain biking and youth development has always been close to Giro’s mission as a company,” said Eric Richter, senior brand manager for Giro Cycling, which is part of Easton-Bell Sports. “In the past we’ve supported NICA at events on a local level but we felt it was time to step up and expand our support across the county.”
Trainer brand Kinetic is continuing its support of NICA as a Bronze-level sponsor for the next two years, the company announced last week.
As part of the sponsorship, all certified NICA coaches can purchase the full line of Kinetic trainers and accessories at a discount through a Kinetic retailer in their area. This program enables coaches to set up an indoor "practice" facility so the team can get together for workouts regardless of the weather.
In addition to direct monetary support, Kinetic will host a race warm-up tent at each race in NICA's leagues, where student-athletes can use Kinetic trainers before their event.
"Attending a single NICA race is more than enough evidence to show the value in sponsoring the organization; there's passion, camaraderie and talent on display in huge fields of young athletes," said Kinetic marketing manager David Simpson. "We're proud to continue supporting leagues around the country and helping coaches and student-athletes make the most of their hard work."
As part of its sponsorship last year, Kinetic created a detailed training section for the NICA Coaches Manual. Kinetic's eight-page contribution outlines the basics of stationary bike workouts, safety precautions, creative and fun training techniques and race warm-up and cool-down routines.
Denver-based clothing brand Primal is continuing its support of NICA with a multi0year Gold-level sponsorship. Over the previous three years, Primal has provided more than $300,000 in support of the organization.
Primal provides in-kind and monetary support to the league. This year, Primal is upgrading NICA league series leaders' jersey to its pro-level Helix jersey.
“The growth of competitive cycling at the high school level has been remarkable over the past few years,” said Dave Edwards, president of Primal Wear,.“NICA has been able to create a nationwide community that is energizing the youth and getting them involved with cycling. This is the future of our sport and our industry and it is paramount that we make it a priority.”
