A local sports enthusiast passionate about mountain biking for young people has recently been appointed to help roll out a national youth development program taken offshore from the United States for the first time.

Beechworth’s Lynn Frerichs has been appointed inaugural general manager for the new Australian operation of the United States’ National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA).

The not-for-profit organisation runs the program for 12 to 17-year-olds using mountain bikes.

A thrilled Ms Frerichs said she is the first NICA employee outside of America and proud to say she lives in Beechworth.

“I have just come back from Idaho in the United States after spending a month ‘learning all things NICA',” she said.

“I spent time in Wisconsin too which is headquarters of Trek bicycles [a major NICA sponsor in the States].

NICA dedicated to building strong minds, body, character and communities through mountain biking for young people ran some pilot programs at the end of last year and early this year in Australia.

Beechworth was one of the towns selected from others across the NSW, Victoria and the ACT.

“Australia’s pilot project was so successful NICA is launching here,” Ms Frerichs said.

“NICA league in USA is well-established, respected and it’s exciting for the sport to be in Australia.

“It’s combining youth development and sport to make the world a better place.”

NICA’s Eddie Freyer from the United States led the Australian pilot programs and is now NICA Australia’s strategic adviser.

Ms Frerichs said NICA will officially launch in Australia at Sea Otter – Australia's largest cycling festival and expo from 24-26 October in Batemans Bay, NSW.

“NICA’s first season will launch in High Country Victoria, ACT and southern NSW,” she said.

“We will run Coaches Summits in Mogo, NSW on 15-16 November, Canberra on 22-23 November and Yackandandah on 29-30 November.

“Teams can register shortly after the summits."

Ms Frerichs added Mr Freyer will be in Australia for the launch at Sea Otter and will be in Australia until mid-December.

“Eddie will be in Beechworth as well as other towns in the shire and the High Country during his time here,” she said.

“We will also host director of coaching at NICA USA, Mike McGarry, for each of the coaches summits.

“Mike and Eddie will also be at one of the Beechworth Chain Gang's (BCG) Junior Ride Program sessions to demonstrate NICA in action to the BCG coaches and participants."

With the focus on youth development, Ms Frerichs said the program was also about developing great people.

“I’m passionate about getting more kids on bikes and for NICA to be an international leader in getting more kids on bikes too,” she said.

Trek’s Asia-Pacific’s advocacy and engagement manager, Mark Eedle said NICA launching in Australia gives young Aussie mountain bikers and their families an opportunity to all ride together.

“Seventy five percent of NICA’s volunteer coaches in the US are parents of participating kids,” he said.

“The program is for all riding abilities and will encourage more kids [and their parents and friends] to be involved creating communities of life long riders.”