Following its inaugural 2023 season, the US-based National Cycling League (NCL) has confirmed the addition of its first-ever expansion team to be based in Atlanta, Georgia.
NCL CEO Andrea Pagnanelli said “Following a tremendously successful event at Porsche Experience Center Atlanta, we want to continue to invest in the Atlanta community, one of the country’s great cycling metropolitan areas, with projects like the Atlanta BeltLine, the Silver Comet Trail, and our partner Bearings Bike Works.
“We will remain focused on the future of the NCL and league development, with diversity, gender equity, community, and innovation as our core pillars.”
In addition to building a team in Atlanta, the NCL has begun signing athletes to its franchise teams, the Denver Disruptors and the Miami Nights. The 2023 season saw both teams competing in the NCL Cup Series, American Criterium Cup Series, Joe Martin Stage Race, and other events.
The NCL finalized its first wave of re-signings for the Denver Disruptors and the Miami Nights, beginning with athletes such as Paola Muñoz, Andrea Cyr, Noah Granigan, Riley Sheehan, and Clever Martinez. The NCL added that it is… ‘having conversations with other highly prominent riders and will announce additional athletes in the coming weeks.’
In addition to expanding its owned teams and 2024 athlete signings, the NCL will partner with five other teams for the 2024 season. “Demand to partner with the NCL was high after the success we saw in 2023 and we expect it to grow,” said Reed McCalvin, NCL’s VP of Teams. “We are excited to attract top teams and athletes from across the United States and Canada.
The National Cycling League has officially opened its application process for athletes and teams for 2024. Meanwhile, more details about NCL’s 2024 events will be announced in the coming months including dates, cities, and participating teams.
Similar to 2023, the NCL will host its events in a variety of settings with its events broadcasted globally on GCN+.
“Our inaugural season exceeded all expectations, drawing in crowds of thousands, viewership from around the world, and a successful new format that works for America,” added NCL Founder Paris Wallace.
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