Mission/Vision

As an early affiliate of NICA, Minnesota worked with NICA tools to get up and running. In the process, Minnesota has become an innovator—launching the middle school program, ability-based racing, women’s outreach initiatives, and trail advocacy programs.

It’s through our successful relationship with NICA that Minnesota is now ready to become independent, enabling us to continue to innovate and respond to the needs of our own coaches, student-athletes and parents.

We wish NICA continued success in getting new leagues up and running and to get #morekidsonbikes.

Acting NICA President Amanda Carey states: “We thank the Minnesota Cycling Association for its hard work and dedication over the years to NICA, and we wish them well in their efforts to carry on the mission of getting more kids on bikes in Minnesota.”

In short, all programs will continue to be the same or better. Rider development, race weekends, coach training, operations, risk management, scholarships and funding will continue to be developed and executed locally by MCA staff, coaches and volunteers. The staff and board of directors remains the same, as is their commitment to the mission of helping student-athletes’ strong minds, bodies and character through cycling. While most things stay the same, as we move forward coaches and families will receive timely updates on changes that may affect them, such as registration. Coach training is largely the same or streamlined. Coaches will be able to pick up right where they left off with their training (see our coach licensing matrix), with some processes being streamlined. Registration will be easier. Coaches, student-athletes and parents will also soon have access to a mobile-friendly, globally recognized registration system to replace the former PitZone. The MCA is able to be more responsive. By making this change, we can invest in programs and resources that directly benefit those we serve, keeping our program affordable, adaptable and self-sufficient. Our core values, mission and vision remain unchanged. 
 The MCA will continue to provide best-in-class cycling programs that are open to all middle and high school students across Minnesota. We will continue to welcome student-athletes regardless of ability with our ‘no tryout, no bench’ policy, where everyone participates. Our mission: build strong minds, strong bodies and strong character through cycling. Our vision: every youth is empowered to be part of a thriving and engaged cycling community.

Absolutely. Teams may have the NICA logo on their current kit or equipment and we don’t expect you to toss anything that has plenty of life left in it. There will be a reasonable transition period. We simply ask that you update your design as you order/reorder items.

The MCA will continue to make available membership benefits through our sponsors and more are on the way.