Whereas Biking Weekly has not obtained official affirmation or denial from our Nationwide Biking League contacts, who’ve been non-responsive for a while, it’s clear that the NCL is formally no extra.
Following a year-long hiatus, CEO Andrea Pagnanelli revealed in a LinkedIn put up that the organisation has ceased operations and he or she’s ‘actively exploring’ new alternatives.
“We needed to wind down operations for the Nationwide Biking League (NCL) on the finish of 2024. Whereas this chapter is closing, it represents a unprecedented journey of innovation, studying, and influence,” Pagnanelli writes.
The National Cycling League debuted with a lot fanfare in April 2023, hoping to reignite American cycling fandom with its distinctive —and admittedly entertaining— spectator-friendly format.
Backed by a roster of all-star investors and that includes city-specific franchise groups, the debut season boasted a major prize purse and even greater ambitions. But, solely three occasions have been held in a season affected by setbacks.
From cancelled events to venue changes, the firing of its race administration crew and the reshuffling of its C-suite, troubles began early and endured all through the sequence’ short-lived period.
On the shut of its debut 12 months, dozens of riders from the Nationwide Biking League’s franchise groups have been left without contracts for 2024, even because the organisation continued to vow expansions and an optimistic future.
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By April 2024, nevertheless, the NCL announced an indefinite hiatus, citing ‘present financial challenges in home and world biking trade’.
“Whereas NCL won’t area occasions or groups in 2024, the manager crew and board of administrators will give attention to coming again stronger in 2025 by restructuring its enterprise mannequin throughout the present financial challenges going through the home and world biking trade,” the NCL mentioned on the time.
Nevertheless, Biking Weekly discovered off the file that riders have been transitioning to new alternatives, and groups have been offloading their gear and gear, signalling {that a} 2025 revival was extremely unlikely. Pagnanelli’s put up at this time confirms the league’s demise.
This was not the primary time {that a} U.S.-based Nationwide Biking League was began, and it was short-lived. Within the late Eighties an unrelated yet identically named National Cycling League was shaped, with franchises in Boston, Houston, L.A., Miami, New York, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. They later even added a number of European groups from London, Milan and Amsterdam.
Made for tv and the quick consideration span of American sports activities followers, the format was a mix between a criterium and a factors race. Many of the taking part riders belonged to conventional highway biking commerce groups outdoors of the league, together with acquainted names like Chris Horner, Steve Tilford, Nelson Vails, Kurt Stockton and Alan McCormack.
Whereas there was preliminary pleasure across the League, it by no means actually took off. Neither conventional biking media nor mainstream media devoted a lot ink or time to serving to the League construct. It quickly bumped into some monetary troubles and folded after simply 5 years.
Sadly, for race followers, the newest iteration of the Nationwide Biking League proved to be even much less profitable.
Extra concerning the NCL:
– Dozens of riders left stranded as Nationwide Biking League broadcasts 2024 season hiatus
– Are ‘fan first’ spectator pleasant crits the future for bike racing?
– Miami Nights take the win at a thrilling Denver NCL Cup.
– After a 4-month wait, the NCL continues in Denver this weekend – here’s what to expect
– Is the Nationwide Biking League in trouble already?
– A cancelled race and new CEO – big changes at the National Cycling League after only one race
– The Nationwide Biking League made its anticipated debut over the weekend, however were we entertained?
– Denver Disruptors dominate National Cycling League debut race
– Fan-first, gamified bike racing: the NCL readies for its debut as domestic teams get on board
– L39ION of LA and The Miami Blazers have no intention to partake within the Nationwide Biking League
– The newly shaped Nationwide Biking League: a gimmick or the future of American bike racing?
– The Nationwide Biking League broadcasts its first groups, stacked with internationally known talent
– NBA All-Star Bradley Beal and NFL professionals pump $7.5m into the new US cycling league
– The Nationwide Biking League broadcasts a $1 Million dollar prize purse
– Inaugural US Nationwide Biking League may see fans virtually racing the pros in 2023
– Why American biking wants a new Greg Lemond or – whisper it – Lance Armstrong
– Valentina Scandolara suspended and fined for unsportsmanlike behavior
