Get ready to witness the future of American cycling—a bold, high-octane fusion of speed, strategy, and spectacle that’s set to redefine the sport. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this the evolution cycling needs, or a risky gamble that could alienate traditional fans? Let’s dive in.
In a move that’s shaking up the domestic racing scene, Team Cadence Cyclery p/b Waldo Racing has emerged as a powerhouse for the 2026 season. This Texas-based squad isn’t just another team—it’s a merger of two elite criterium-focused groups, now united under one banner. Leading the charge are seasoned veterans Cade Bickmore and Danny Summerhill, joining forces with reigning USPro criterium champions Lucas Bourgoyne and Luke Fetzer. Together, they’re not just racing—they’re revolutionizing the sport.
And this is the part most people miss: This team isn’t just about winning races; it’s about creating an experience. Bourgoyne, the elite men’s criterium champion, puts it bluntly: ‘High action, crashes, blood, guts—that’s what Americans like.’ But it’s not just about the adrenaline. It’s about packaging all that intensity into a fast-paced, 90-minute spectacle that rivals the energy of supercross or motocross.
Summerhill, fresh off a season with 21 top-10 finishes, including a stage win at the Redlands Bicycle Classic, is buzzing with anticipation. ‘There’s an undeniable energy in the air,’ he says. ‘I sense something big is on the horizon.’ Bickmore, meanwhile, made a bold choice to leave European racing behind, prioritizing the stability and financial opportunities of the US criterium circuit as he eyes the 2028 track goals.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: The team’s merger with Waldo Racing has unleashed a wave of investment—not just in talent, but in infrastructure. Enter the ‘85-foot mega rig’—a 45-foot branded RV paired with a 36-foot trailer and a towed minivan. This isn’t just transportation; it’s a mobile marketing juggernaut. Bourgoyne describes it as ‘supercross meets rock and roll,’ a traveling event center that doubles as a content hub and cost-cutting solution. With eight beds onboard, it’s a game-changer for affordability in crit racing.
But is this glitz and glamour a step too far? Some purists might argue it distracts from the sport’s roots. What do you think? Is this the future of cycling, or a flashy detour? Let us know in the comments.
The team’s ambitious plans include a debut at Texas’s Pace Bend Weekend, followed by a national launch at the Sunny King Criterium in Anniston, Alabama, on April 11. With a total prize money pool of $230,000 for the USA CRITS series, the stakes are higher than ever. Bourgoyne is clear: ‘We’re not just raising the bar—we’re redefining it.’
Behind the scenes, Jackie, a 30-year veteran of sports marketing and public relations, is lending her expertise. As the founder of Peloton Sports and Bike Alpharetta Inc., she’s no stranger to elevating cycling’s profile. Her vision aligns with the team’s: to make criterium racing a mainstream sensation.
So, is this the beginning of a new era, or a bold experiment that could divide the cycling world? One thing’s for sure: Team Cadence Cyclery p/b Waldo Racing is a force to watch. What’s your take? Are they the future of the sport, or a flashy sideshow? Sound off below—we want to hear from you!
