"High-octane action, dramatic crashes, and intense competition—that's what truly captivates the American audience!" This statement encapsulates the essence of the excitement surrounding the world of criterium racing as Cade Bickmore and Danny Summerhill join forces with USPro champions Lucas Bourgoyne and Luke Fetzer in the newly established Cadence Cyclery p/b Waldo Racing team for the 2026 season.
Based in Texas, this innovative team merges two elite domestic cycling squads, creating a formidable presence in the criterium racing scene. Returning to lead this talented group are the reigning USPro criterium champions: Lucas Bourgoyne, who holds the elite men's title, and Luke Fetzer, who is recognized as the U23 men's champion. Their experience and accolades promise to elevate the team's performance on the race circuit.
Summerhill, who had an impressive year with 21 top-10 finishes, including a stage victory at the prestigious Redlands Bicycle Classic, expressed his enthusiasm about this new chapter. "I’ve had the opportunity to be part of fantastic teams in the past, but there’s something special about this one. The energy is palpable, and I can feel that something significant is coming our way," he shared.
Bickmore also reflected on his decision to return to criterium racing, admitting, "Leaving the opportunities presented by European racing was a tough call. However, competing in crits offers not only better financial rewards but also a sense of stability as I work toward my ambitions leading up to 2028."
A notable aspect of this merger with Waldo Racing is the substantial investment in logistics and infrastructure, creating a robust platform for the team. Bourgoyne proudly announced the acquisition of an impressive 45-foot branded RV complemented by a 36-foot trailer and a minivan, resulting in a remarkable 85-foot mobile unit. This setup serves not just as transportation but also transforms into a marketing powerhouse, engaging fans at major one-day races across the United States.
"Imagine a blend of supercross and rock and roll as we travel from event to event at the biggest crits. We’re set to enhance the spectator experience with activation activities right off the rig, allowing us to share our journey and stories more effectively," Bourgoyne explained.
He further elaborated on the strategic advantages of this mobile unit, stating, "This rig serves as an event center and content hub, significantly reducing our costs since we won’t need to book flights anymore; we can simply drive. With eight beds onboard, this could revolutionize how we approach affordability in crit racing." Bourgoyne believes that the savings on accommodation and travel expenses will eventually cover the cost of their equipment after just two years.
The team aims to have the grand rig adorned with eye-catching graphics ready for its unveiling during the Pace Bend Weekend in Texas, followed by a national launch at the Sunny King Criterium in Anniston, Alabama, kicking off USA CRITS on April 11.
Expressing his passion for the sport, Bourgoyne stated, "I genuinely believe this is the most exhilarating sport in the world. There’s no reason why we can’t elevate it to the level of supercross or motocross—with all the thrills, suspense, and yes, a bit of chaos, which is what the American audience craves. It’s all condensed into an action-packed hour and a half."
Reflecting on the team's evolution, he remarked, "What we began building in 2025 was just a small crit team fueled by dreams and aspirations, and now we’ve transformed into the most professional organization to date. Our goal is clear: to continuously raise the standards and redefine what is possible in the world of criterium racing."
With over three decades of experience in professional sports encompassing news reporting, sports marketing, and public relations, Jackie has made a significant impact in the field. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a successful sports marketing and PR agency responsible for projects like the Tour de Georgia and the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah. Additionally, she established Bike Alpharetta Inc., a nonprofit aimed at promoting safe cycling in Georgia. Jackie also cherishes her six years in professional baseball, where she engaged in various roles—from advertising sales to hands-on tasks with minor league teams. On a personal note, she's braved the climbs of l'Alpe d'Huez three times (albeit not at record speed) and enjoys exploring gravel roads around the picturesque horse farms of north Georgia.
Feel free to share your thoughts or opinions in the comments below—what do you think about this exciting development in US criterium racing? Are you as enthusiastic about the potential this team has as we are?
