The National Cycling League (NCL) is set to kick off its new NCL Cup series with a purse of $1 million for 10 US club, elite teams. In the invitation-only racing series, the teams will compete in a points-based format requiring women and men’s teams partner together to win. Five main cooperating teams will be involved with Unified (co-ed) affiliations, including Team Skyline on the US Continental level and Fount Cycling Guild and Team SupraBars.com on the domestic elite level. Denver Disruptors and Miami Nights created by the league itself will also be joining.
The other five teams consist of two existing men’s-only and women’s-only DE or club teams – Foundation Cycling and CCB-Alpine Carbon p/b LLG, Kelly Benefits Strategies Cycling and Primeau Velo Racing, Team Mike’s Bikes p/b Equator Coffees and Monarch Racing, and Voler Factory Racing and Roxo Racing. All teams involved, across both the men’s and women’s standings, will be rewarded equally for their efforts.
Reed McCalvin, vice president of teams for the NCL, shared the organisation’s aim to build up American bike racing and explained their drive to support teams who genuinely invest in the sport and its mission. Debbie Milne, founder of SupraBars.com, agreed that the NCL’s focus on safety and professionalism was much appreciated.
Team Skyline’s men squad raced on the Continental level and are ready to take to the series. Meanwhile, their women’s squad, in which Colleen Gulick is the star rider, is ready to shine. CCB-Alpine Carbon P/B LLG and Foundation Cycling formed a connection as well. Lauren LeClaire, team manager for CCB-Alpine Carbon p/b LLG, expressed her happiness for such an opportunity.
Denver Disruptors and Miami Nights assembled explosive rosters of former WorldTour veterans such as Leah Kirchmann, Sergio Henao, and Clever Martinez. The teams are ready to battle for the prize money and compete in the four NCL Cup competitions this summer throughout the US.
The National Cycling League is an organization dedicated to helping build up the US cycling scene by providing a level playing field and greater biking opportunities for teams. There is no entry fee for the racers, with travel money and TV coverage being provided to all participants. The NCL Cup is tailored to offer more rewarding prospects to clubs and sponsors, thus giving a greater incentive for teams to stay involved in this thrilling competition.