The world's only professional bicycle racing league has decided to expand into Europe for the 1993 season.
At their annual winter meeting here Saturday, National Cycle League owners announced the formal establishment of a EuroConference featuring teams in London, Amsterdam and Milano."The NCL has dramatically revolutionized the format of professional bicycle racing over the past four years and continues to be innovative with major advances such as the establishment of our EuroConference," said NCL Commissioner Pete O'Neil.
The NCL will open its fifth season March 28 in Miami and conclude with the World Title Race in Pittsburgh Aug. 8.
NCL teams competing in 1993 include the Pittsburgh Power, Portland Thunder, Houston Outlaws, Miami Wheelers, New York Gotham Ghosts, Los Angeles Wings, San Diego Zoom and Tulsa Cyclones.
NCL races are held on city streets with teams of riders racing for points during 12 sprint laps. Courses vary in length from 35 to 50 miles and are plotted Grand Prix style through a restricted area of the host city.