July 21, 2006 – The National Bicycle League, in conjunction with USA Cycling (USAC), will host eight (8) UCI BMX Continental races for the upcoming 2006-07 season. The UCI Junior (17-18) and Elite (19+) classes will be featured at these races. Riders must have a USAC BMX International License to compete in these events. The UCI Junior and Elite classes will be run directly within the NBL race program, allowing athletes to earn both UCI and NBL series points and prize money at the same time.

USAC is further developing criteria to qualify Challenge class riders for the 2007 UCI World Championship in Victoria, BC, Canada. Expect to see an announcement after the 2006 UCI World Championships in Brazil.

“We are excited to be a part of the Olympic and World Championship qualification process for the USA and we look forward to an exciting year. With the recent announcement of USAC’s Podium Program for BMX Athletes, NBL’s commitment to further developing the top athletes in our country will be centered on the NBL National Series,” said Kevin O’Brien, NBL Director of Marketing and Communications.