Get ready for a heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled spectacle—because American cycling is about to get a whole lot more intense. The world of criterium racing is buzzing with the formation of a new powerhouse team, Cadence Cyclery p/b Waldo Racing, set to dominate the 2026 season. But here's where it gets controversial: is this merger a game-changer or just a flashy marketing stunt? Let’s dive in.
Based in Texas, this newly merged squad combines the strengths of two elite domestic teams, creating a criterium-focused juggernaut. Leading the charge are seasoned veterans Cade Bickmore and Danny Summerhill, joining forces with reigning USPro criterium champions Lucas Bourgoyne and Luke Fetzer. And this is the part most people miss: Bourgoyne isn’t just here to race—he’s here to redefine the sport.
Summerhill, fresh off a stellar 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 said, hinting at something monumental on the horizon. Bickmore, meanwhile, made a bold choice to leave European racing behind, prioritizing the stability and financial rewards of the criterium circuit as he eyes the 2028 track goals.
But here’s the real showstopper: the team’s 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 event center, content hub, and marketing machine rolled into one. Bourgoyne describes it as “supercross meets rock and roll,” designed to engage fans, cut costs, and elevate the sport’s profile. With eight beds on board, it’s a game-changer for affordability in crit racing. The team estimates the savings on accommodations and airfare could pay for the rig in just two years.
The rig is set to debut at Pace Bend Weekend in Texas before hitting the national stage at the Sunny King Criterium in Anniston, Alabama, on April 11. But the bigger question looms: Can criterium racing truly rival supercross or motocross in popularity? Bourgoyne thinks so. “It’s high action, tense, crashes, blood, guts—that’s what Americans like,” he said. “And it’s all wrapped up in an hour and a half.”
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Is this merger a stepping stone to professionalizing the sport, or is it just a flashy distraction? Bourgoyne insists they’re raising the bar, transforming a “little baby crit team with a dream” into the most professional outfit the sport has ever seen. But what do you think? Can criterium racing break into the mainstream, or is it destined to remain a niche thrill?
As the team gears up for its debut, one thing’s certain: this isn’t your average cycling squad. It’s a bold experiment in sport, marketing, and ambition. Will it pay off? Only time will tell. Let us know your thoughts in the comments—are you all in on this vision, or do you think it’s a long shot?
