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The Washington High School Cycling League was organized in 2010 to provide competitive mountain biking programs for students in grades 9 to 12. With the cooperation of local race organizers, our partners, and our sponsors we are able to provide a high quality mountain racing experience.
We believe that cross-country mountain biking is the ‘T-Ball’ of the cycling world and in addition to succeeding at the international level of mountain biking, we’ve also seen many NorCal League athletes (our sister League) go on to succeed in road racing and collegiate cycling. Several League alumni athletes are now racing on professional teams at events like the Tour of California and the Sea Otter Classic. Regardless of ability level, the Washington League is committed to providing a positive experience for all student-athletes.
The League is committed to teaching safe riding practices. We believe forming high school teams is the best way for students to learn how to ride safely. To learn safe riding technique or learn how to teach these skills, join our next rider camp or coaches conference. For up to date news and info join our e-mail list, or send an e-mail directly to lisa@washingtonmtb.org and let us know how you’d like to get involved.
How it all started
In 1998, Matt Fritzinger, a teacher at Berkeley High, posted a note on the school bulletin board inviting students to join a bicycle club. He organized weekly rides after school and quickly saw that a school team could succeed, but that competition would be required for it to thrive. In 2001 Matt founded the NorCal High School Mountain Bike Racing Series.
In the first year of the series, mountain bikers from schools all over Northern California answered the call and came to compete as semi-organized high school teams. Over time, the popularity of the NorCal League grew which ultimately led to the founding of the SoCal League, the Colorado League and the parent organization called National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). All leagues and NICA are 501(c) organizations.
In 2010, over 600 NorCal riders, over 200 SoCal riders, and close to 200 Colorado riders competed in their respective League racing series and the program is set to expand into Texas and Minnesota over the next two years. 2011 will be the inaugural year for the Washington League.
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Mission Statement
The Washington High School Cycling League works to establish and maintain safe, quality high school mountain bike programs. The League is responsible for establishing a climate that will:
- Provide students who have the desire to mountain bike with the coaching and camaraderie that will help them achieve both competitive and non-competitive cross-country mountain biking goals in a safe and enjoyable manner;
- Develop an awareness of what it is to be an amateur athlete that is both gracious and respectful to their community;
- Create an environment in which they may discover new friendships and find role models;
- Guide students towards learning new skills and disciplines, and spread the foundations of mountain bike racing across the U.S.;
- Foster a responsible attitude toward the use of trails and wilderness;
- Promote the value of cycling to our community as a mode of transportation and as a life long sport.
