In 2024, the Nebraska Interscholastic Cycling League (NICL) introduced an exciting new racing category: The Dash Lap. Designed as an onramp to competitive mountain biking, the Dash Lap gave student-athletes the chance to experience the thrill of racing without the pressure of multiple laps. Participants completed just one lap of the course, allowing them to focus on their personal progress rather than competition.
We weren’t entirely sure how many riders would take on the Dash Lap or how they would feel about it—but we knew it was worth a try. Now, after its debut season, we can confidently say that it was a huge success. In its first year alone, 20 student-athletes stepped up to the start line, gaining confidence with each ride. Many later transitioned into full race categories, proving the Dash Lap was the perfect introduction to our league.
A Rider’s Perspective: Xavier’s Story
One of our first Dash Lappers, Xavier, shares his experience:
What were you thinking about on the start line?
“Nervous! I was worried about all the attention and how I’d handle the race. Usually, when I’m playing sports, I don’t overthink it—but standing at the start line, I imagined all the possible mishaps. Once I started pedaling, though, I was fine.”
What went through your mind during the lap?
“I kept reminding myself, I got this—I rode the course yesterday! Then I had a moment of, How did I even get into this sport? (laughs). But mostly, I thought, Switch gears, switch gears, switch gears!”
How did you build confidence as you rode?
“It felt easier as I went along. Since I had already pre-ridden the course, I knew what to expect and started anticipating the next sections.”
What advice would you give to someone nervous about trying mountain biking?
“Just experience the sport once or twice. Eventually, you’ll need to explore, as it doesn’t hurt to try or do new things.”
What was your favorite part?
“The hills!”
More Than a Race—A Launchpad for New Riders
To keep the Dash Lap experience fun and focused on personal achievement, we chose not to score participants. Instead, we hand-timed each rider and shared results privately with their coaches. This way, athletes could reflect on their progress without feeling pressured by rankings.
Hearing stories like Xavier’s reminds us why we do what we do. The Dash Lap isn’t just about finishing a lap—it’s about building confidence, gaining experience, and falling in love with the sport of mountain biking. We’re excited to continue growing this category and welcoming even more riders to the NICL community.
See you on the trails!