American cycling is about to get a major boost! Cade Bickmore and Danny Summerhill, renowned US racers, have joined forces with USPro crit champions Lucas Bourgoyne and Luke Fetzer to form a new powerhouse team, Cadence Cyclery p/b Waldo Racing. But here's where it gets exciting: they're not just aiming for any ordinary team; they're creating a criterium-focused squad with a unique twist.
Summerhill, with an impressive 21 top 10 finishes last season, including a stage win at Redlands Bicycle Classic, is thrilled about the team's potential. He believes this opportunity is unlike any other, sensing a unique energy and predicting something monumental on the horizon. Meanwhile, Bickmore, who has decided to return to US crits, highlights the financial stability it offers, allowing him to pursue his track goals for 2028.
The team's merger with Waldo Racing has resulted in substantial investments, not just in rider talent but also in logistics. Bourgoyne proudly announces their new 85-foot mega rig, a mobile marketing masterpiece. This rig, complete with a branded RV, trailer, and minivan, will be a traveling spectacle at major US races, engaging fans with activation events and storytelling. Bourgoyne believes this setup will revolutionize crit racing, offering cost-cutting measures and a new level of fan engagement.
The team aims to debut this rig at Pace Bend Weekend in Texas and then nationally at the Sunny King Criterium in Alabama. Bourgoyne's vision is bold, comparing the sport's potential to supercross and motocross, with high-intensity action, crashes, and adrenaline-pumping excitement. He believes this format, wrapped up in a concise time frame, is what American audiences crave.
But here's where it gets controversial: is this the future of cycling? Will this team's approach revolutionize the sport, or is it a temporary spectacle? What do you think? Are you excited about this new team's prospects, or do you have reservations? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's spark a lively discussion on the future of American cycling!