Get ready for a criterium cycling revolution! The thrill of high-octane action, the drama of crashes, and the raw intensity – that's what fuels American audiences, and a new team is poised to deliver it like never before. USPro criterium champions Lucas Bourgoyne and Luke Fetzer are joining forces with seasoned racers Cade Bickmore and Danny Summerhill to form the powerhouse Cadence Cyclery p/b Waldo Racing team for the 2026 season. This isn't just another team; it's a bold new venture born from the merger of two established US domestic elite teams, all with a laser focus on the electrifying world of criterium racing.
Leading the charge are familiar faces in the US professional cycling scene. Lucas Bourgoyne, the reigning elite men's USPro criterium champion, and Luke Fetzer, who clinched the U23 men's title, are returning to anchor this ambitious squad. Their experience and winning pedigree are sure to set a high bar for the competition.
Danny Summerhill, a rider who consistently finds himself in the top 10 – he achieved this 21 times last year, including a criterium win at the Redlands Bicycle Classic – is bringing his considerable talent to the new team. He also secured the runner-up spot in the sprint classification at the ACC series. Summerhill shared his enthusiasm, stating, "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 also expressed his excitement about the move, revealing a strategic shift in his career. "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," he explained. This highlights a growing trend where domestic criterium racing is becoming a more financially viable and stable path for athletes.
The 85-foot marketing machine: A game-changer in logistics and fan engagement.
Beyond the impressive roster, Cadence Cyclery p/b Waldo Racing is making waves with its innovative approach to logistics. Thanks to the merger with Waldo Racing, the team has invested heavily in a truly remarkable setup: an 85-foot "mega rig". This consists of a 45-foot branded recreational vehicle complemented by a 36-foot trailer and a towed minivan. Lucas Bourgoyne described it as a "supercross setup meets rock and roll," designed to be a mobile command center and a powerful marketing tool. This isn't just about transportation; it's about creating an immersive fan experience at the biggest one-day races in the US.
"We're going to be able to create a better show, with activation events off the rig and tell the story," Bourgoyne elaborated. "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 effectively pay for the entire equipment investment within two years, a testament to the smart financial planning behind this venture.
The team aimed for the big rig to make its debut, fully wrapped in eye-catching graphics, at the Pace Bend Weekend in Texas. Its national debut was slated for the start of USA CRITS in Anniston, Alabama, at the Sunny King Criterium on April 11.
But here's where it gets controversial... Bourgoyne passionately believes in the appeal of criterium racing, stating, "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." This bold statement, equating the sport's appeal to elements often associated with extreme sports and even combat, is sure to spark debate. Is this the right way to market cycling to a broader American audience? Or does it risk alienating those who appreciate the more nuanced aspects of the sport?
Bourgoyne continued, reflecting on the team's journey: "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." This ambition to elevate professional criterium racing to unprecedented levels of professionalism is inspiring.
And this is the part most people miss... The operational and marketing expertise behind this team is significant. Jackie, a figure with over 30 years of experience in professional sports, news reporting, sports marketing, and public relations, is a driving force. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a successful agency that has managed projects for major events like the Tour de Georgia and the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah. Her involvement, along with her passion for cycling (she's climbed l'Alpe d'Huez three times!), brings a wealth of knowledge to the team's strategic direction. Her dedication to promoting safe cycling is also evident through her founding of Bike Alpharetta Inc.
What are your thoughts on this new approach to criterium racing? Do you agree with the assessment that "high action, crashes, blood, guts" are what Americans truly crave in sports? Share your opinions in the comments below – we'd love to hear your take!
