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Explore NICA Leagues
Leagues fulfill NICA’s mission at the regional level, improving the lives of youth aged 12 to 19 and positively impacting communities by providing high-quality, safe and fun youth mountain bike programming based on the principles of strong body, strong mind, strong character, equity, and inclusivity.
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Canada’s first NICA League launches in 2027
The Ottawa-Gatineau NICA League will be the first NICA League in Canada, bringing together local teams, trained coaches, community support, and unforgettable cycling experiences for young people across the region.
As Canada’s launch region, Ottawa-Gatineau will help establish a model for future NICA League growth across the country while creating new opportunities for youth to ride, belong, and grow through cycling.
Introducing the Ottawa-Gatineau NICA League
Why Ottawa-Gatineau?
Ottawa-Gatineau is the ideal starting point for NICA Canada.
The region combines an active youth population, extensive trail networks, strong cycling organizations, and a bilingual culture that reflects Canada’s diversity. Years of collaboration with local leaders, Ontario Cycling, the Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes (FQSC), Cycling Canada, coaches, and community partners have created the momentum needed to launch Canada’s first NICA League.
The Ottawa-Gatineau League represents the first step in a long-term vision to make NICA programming accessible to communities across Canada.
Building toward the first season
The launch of the Ottawa-Gatineau NICA League is a gradual process designed to create a strong foundation for long-term success.
During the fall of 2026, NICA Canada will introduce the League through community events, information sessions, webinars, and the inaugural Leaders’ Summit. These activities will help future coaches, volunteers, families, and team leaders learn more about the NICA model and explore how they can become involved.
In spring 2027, teams will begin forming throughout the region while volunteer coaches participate in NICA education and licensing programs. Community outreach and recruitment initiatives will help connect young people with local teams, creating opportunities for athletes to begin their NICA journey. Team practices will begin in May as riders, coaches, and families come together to build team culture and prepare for the first season.
In fall 2027, practices resume after the summer break and teams will participate in the Ottawa-Gatineau League’s event season, highlighted by three festival-style event weekends that bring athletes, coaches, and families together from across the region.
Festival weekends
One of the most exciting parts of the NICA experience are League-hosted world-class events.
The Ottawa-Gatineau NICA League will host three festival-style event weekends. More than just races, these weekends are a celebration of cycling, community, and personal growth. Athletes will ride new trails, represent their teams, build friendships, and challenge themselves alongside riders of all abilities. Families, coaches, volunteers, and supporters will come together to create an atmosphere unlike any other youth sport, with team spirit, cheering sections, community activities, and unforgettable experiences both on and off the bike.
These signature events are where the full NICA experience comes to life and where the Ottawa-Gatineau cycling community comes together to celebrate the joy of riding bikes.
Regional growth model
The Ottawa-Gatineau League is the first step in NICA Canada’s long-term vision to bring team-based youth cycling opportunities to communities across Canada. Future growth will occur through partnerships with Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations, helping ensure a strong and sustainable foundation in every region.
Get involved
The Ottawa-Gatineau NICA League officially launches in 2027, but the journey begins now.
Throughout fall 2026, NICA Canada will host community information sessions, webinars, and the inaugural Leaders’ Summit to help future coaches, team leaders, volunteers, and families learn more about NICA and connect with others who are helping shape Canada’s first League.
Whether you’re interested in starting a team, becoming a coach, volunteering, supporting youth cycling, or simply learning more about NICA, our upcoming events are the best place to get started.
The Ottawa-Gatineau NICA League is being built by local leaders, coaches and community champions who believe every young person deserves a place to ride, belong, and grow.