Get ready for a criterium cycling revolution! The roar of the crowd, the thrill of the chase, and the sheer intensity of close-quarters racing – that's what captivates American audiences, and a new team is poised to deliver it like never before.
US racing veterans Cade Bickmore and Danny Summerhill are set to bring their considerable talents to the newly formed Team Cadence Cyclery p/b Waldo Racing for the 2026 season. This exciting venture, based in Texas, represents a powerful fusion of two established US domestic elite teams, aiming to create an unparalleled powerhouse in the world of criterium racing.
Anchoring this formidable squad are none other than Lucas Bourgoyne, the reigning USPro Criterium Champion for elite men, and Luke Fetzer, who clinched the U23 men's title. Their experience and winning pedigree will undoubtedly set a high standard for the team.
Danny Summerhill, who achieved an impressive 21 top-10 finishes last year, including a criterium victory at the Redlands Bicycle Classic and a second-place finish in the sprint classification at the ACC series, expressed his enthusiasm: “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of some amazing teams, but this time feels different. There’s an undeniable energy in the air, and I sense something big is on the horizon.”
Cade Bickmore shared his perspective on the strategic shift: “It was a hard choice to leave European racing opportunities behind, but returning to race crits offers more money and stability as I pursue my goals on the track leading into 2028.” This highlights a growing trend of prioritizing domestic opportunities for financial and career stability.
The 85-Foot Marketing Machine: A Game-Changer in Criterium Racing
But the innovation doesn't stop with the roster. Thanks to the merger with Waldo Racing, the Cadence Cyclery team is investing heavily in logistics, creating what can only be described as an '85-foot mega rig'. This impressive setup includes a 45-foot branded RV complemented by a 36-foot trailer and a towed minivan. Lucas Bourgoyne described it as a "marketing machine" designed for on-site fan engagement at major US one-day races.
“The best way I can describe it is a supercross setup meets rock and roll,” Bourgoyne elaborated. “You're travelling stop to stop to all the biggest crits. We're going to be able to create a better show, with activation events off the rig and tell the story. This rig is an event center, a content hub, and a way to cut costs because we don't have to fly anymore; we just drive around. It has eight beds inside, something that will change the model of affordability for crit racing.” He estimates that the savings on accommodations and airfare could even cover the cost of the equipment within two years!
The team hopes to debut this spectacular rig, adorned in custom graphics, at the Pace Bend Weekend in Texas, followed by its national unveiling at the start of USA CRITS in Anniston, Alabama, for the Sunny King Criterium on April 11.
Bourgoyne passionately conveyed his vision: “I think this is the coolest sport in the world, and I don't see any reason that this can't be the level, something like supercross or motocross. It's high action, tense, crashes, blood, guts - that's what Americans like. And it's all wrapped up in an hour and a half.” He further emphasized the team's evolution: “What we built from 2025 was a little baby, a crit team with a dream and a hope, and now to the most professional outfit team that's ever existed. So that's what we aim to do, is to continue to raise the bar.”
But here's where it gets controversial... Bourgoyne's assertion that "high action, tense, crashes, blood, guts - that's what Americans like" might spark debate. Is this a fair assessment of American sporting tastes, or does it oversimplify the appeal of cycling? Does the focus on such elements detract from the technical skill and athletic prowess of the riders?
What do you think? Does this new approach to team logistics and marketing signal a bright future for criterium racing, or are there potential downsides to this "supercross meets rock and roll" model? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
