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Just weeks after the National Cycling League (NCL) boldly proclaimed that “The Future of American Cycling is Here…”, the League dropped a bombshell on Monday: the 2024 season would be paused.

“National Cycling League (NCL) announces it will pause operations for the 2024 season effective immediately as it looks to restructure and rebuild for the 2025 season,” according to a statement on the NCL’s social media page.

The sudden halt, delivered via a brief Zoom call, left the Denver Disruptors, Miami Nights, and Atlanta Rise staff and riders in a state of shock. With the race season already in progress, the cyclists and support staff are now in a frenzied scramble to secure new teams, sponsors, and support. The NCL riders, bound by non-disclosure agreements, have largely remained silent in the face of these challenging circumstances.

Several cycling industry veterans filled the deafening void.

“Imagine being one of the insanely talented riders they poached from other teams that were paying them – riders who have mortgages, families, etc – only to get dropped before the season started. Never trust the NCL or anyone involved in it. Stole a lot of money from some naive people,” posted BMX enthusiast turned road racer Chris Tolley.

Similarly, Aevolo Cycling Sports Director Michael Creed shared his feelings about the short-fused cancellation.

“I want to personally thank @nclracing for adding to the scar tissue of the American cycling landscape. Without them we wouldn’t have riders and staff from 6 different squads left with broken promises and uncomfortable conversations with family + partners, industry sponsors like @primalwear @ekoicycling with bad taste and lost investment in a failed 2024 season, memes for days and headlines that the cycling media is more interested in than reporting on the Redlands Classic,” according to a post on Creed’s Instagram page.

“Thanks to @nclracing’s constant ignorance, lying, backslapping, and lack of accountability; you proved that it’s just about being noticed, and not about what you could provide. And to be fair, I should tip my hat to you for hitting that target.”

Turmoil is a familiar scene for the NCL.

Within months of the 2023 season kickoff, the NCL parted ways with key board members, the COO, CMO, first CEO, and event promoter. The four-race series was shortened to three races, and events shifted from bustling downtown venues to more secluded arenas.

Moving forward will be a challenge for riders and staff.

“I feel bad for all the athletes that don’t have teams now. It is so late in the season. [It’s] a huge bummer for the sport in general,” said a former official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Though most crit teams have already announced 2024 roster assignments some former NCL riders may be able to snag a last minute spot, however that will be the exception not the rule. Additionally, it will be interesting to see whether the NCL tries to make a comeback in 2025 or shutter permanently. 

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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