The National Cycling League (NCL) is the first-ever majority minority-owned professional cycling league. Co-Founded by serial entrepreneur Paris Wallace, the NCL’s mission is to re-image cycling and turn it into a world-class spectator sport; one that is filled with nonstop action, is easy to watch, and has mixed-gender teams where men and women contribute equally to the scoreboard. The NCL is excited to announce its inaugural race of the 2023 NCL Cup taking place April 8th on iconic Ocean Drive at 11th street in Miami Beach. The NCL Cup is a series of 4 criterium races on the most iconic streets of the most classical cities in the country. Miami Beach is first, followed by Atlanta, Denver, and Washington D.C. where teams will compete for a series prize of over $1 million.
Photo via @nclracing
Aligning with its foundational values of equality, diversity, sustainability, and community the NCL is the first professional sports league that is again, majority-minority and female-owned including the likes of NBA star Bradley Beal, former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay, and the NFL’s Jalen Ramsey, Derwin James, and Casey Hayward to name a few.
Photo via @nclracing
The mixed-gender participating teams will feature athletes from around the world, including Olympic stars like Daniely Garcia, Paola Muñoz, Leah Kirchmann, Serghei Tvetcov, Sergio Henao, and more.
Photo via @nclracing
Officially launching in Miami Beach, the NCL Cup Miami Beach Invitational ensures a full day of fun for the entire family. Miami visitors and locals can watch the race from the exclusive hospitality area VIP seats, or for free at one of Ocean Drive’s famed cafes. The community is encouraged to participate in charity group rides, kids’ races, and volunteer opportunities – and enjoy food served up by Smorgasburg Miami in the FanFest expo.
Photo via @nclracing
The interactive event reduces the knowledge barrier of becoming a fan by adding a scoreboard and creating a league structure that mimics most other professional sports, yet innovates foundationally, across structure, culture, and values.
Alternatively, you can also stream it live on any screen on the Global Cycling Network, GCN+.
Photo via @nclracing
Beginning at 3:30 p.m., the professional women’s teams will be introduced ahead of their 4:15 p.m. start time. They will be followed by the professional men’s teams at 6:00 p.m. Each race is 30 laps of a 1-mile circuit where points are earned for the first three finishers of every lap. The male and female scores both contribute equally to the total team score and the team with the most total points wins the event.
Photo via @nclracing
Race Day Line-Up as Follows:
12:00 PM: FanFest Opens – The FanFest will feature a selection of local food vendors and experiences for the whole family.
Location: Lummus Park
12:00 PM & 1:30 PM: BMX Freestyle Stunt Shows
Location: Ocean Drive between 11th and 12th Streets
1:00 PM: Kids’ Races – Open to youth ages 7-11 to compete in a 50-yard dash on bikes. *Children must bring their own bike and helmet.
Location: Ocean Drive between 9th and 11th Streets (Starting line at 9th)
2:30 PM: Roll Like A Pro: NCL Community Bike Ride hosted by Break The Cycle – Join Break the Cycle for a community ride on the racecourse.
*Riders must bring their own bike and helmet.
*Pre-registration required
Location: Start / Finish line (enter Ocean Drive at 8th Street)
3:30 PM: Race Kick-Off – Don’t miss the team and athlete introductions!
Location: Ocean Drive at 11th Street
4:15 PM: Pro Women’s Race
Location: Race Course (Ocean Drive at 11th Street)
6:00 PM: Pro Men’s Race
Location: Race Course (Ocean Drive at 11th Street)
7:30 PM: Awards Ceremony
Location: Start/Finish line at Ocean Drive at 11th
Photo via @nclracing
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: For more information, visit NCLRacing.com.
Follow National Cycling League (NCL) on Instagram and Facebook