March 31, 2026
Team Features
Based in Western Springs with roots stretching back to 2009, Tower Racing has established itself as a powerhouse in the masters racing scene. Named after the iconic water tower landmark in their hometown southwest of the city, this squad brings together 82 club members united by their love of competitive cycling and team camaraderie.
Their morning training rides departing from the local Starbucks have become legendary, drawing riders from across the metropolitan area. Known for their tactical strength and impressive sprint finishes, Tower Racing consistently shows up ready to contest every race finish.
Key Team Info: Founded 2009 | 22 USAC Registered Racers | Training rides Tuesday through Sunday | Website: www.towerracing.net
March 30, 2026
Race Updates
The racing season is heating up with fresh results and exciting updates across the Midwest scene. Recent race highlights, personality profiles, and stunning photography from early season events are now available.
Featured content includes:
March 28, 2026
Liga News
Exciting developments for the team competition series: the total prize purse has increased from $7,500 to $8,200 for this season. The enhanced payout structure rewards consistent team performance across all participating events throughout the calendar year.
Teams interested in competing should register promptly. Registration information has been distributed to team directors. Contact the organizers if you need the registration details resent.
March 27, 2026
Race Preview
Ten days until wheels roll at the season's biggest kickoff event. , April 5th in South Beloit marks the return of competitive road racing. This criterium launches both the Liga Team Championship and state cup series, bringing together over 500 racers ready to test their winter fitness.
The Circuit: Set at the Blackhawk Farms motorsports facility, this 3km course features wide-open pavement with three sharp right-handers and several sweeping bends. The flat profile and excellent sightlines create strategic racing where team tactics and breakaway timing prove crucial.
Weather Watch: Current forecast suggests pleasant 50-degree conditions. Wind exposure varies throughout the course, sheltered in wooded sections but fully open elsewhere. Expect wind strategy to play a major role.
Race Dynamics: The wide-open layout makes solo efforts extremely difficult. Look for strategic team attacks launching 4-6 rider groups. Large team representation should produce aggressive tactical racing with waves of attacks until the right combination sticks.
The Finish: That final right-hander leads into a deceptively long 400+ meter finishing straight. Wind direction dramatically impacts sprint positioning. Multiple lead-out trains could battle across the wide pavement in bunch finishes.
Contenders to Watch: Expect 500+ entries with deep fields across all categories. Traditional powerhouses will bring large squads, while several significantly strengthened rosters debut for 2026. The Liga scoring adds extra motivation with teams strategizing across multiple race entries.
Venue Highlights: Exceptional facilities include heated indoor registration and concessions, rooftop spectator areas, warm showers, and spacious infield for team setups. Outstanding medical support with multiple ambulances and paramedic staff on-site.
Getting There: Two-hour drive from downtown. Note: I-90 construction ongoing, allow extra travel time. Pre-registration strongly recommended for smoother check-in.
March 26, 2026
News Roundup
- Kenosha Spring Training series results posted for round one and round two. Final event scheduled for Sunday, March 30th
- St. Louis Omnium weekend produced strong regional results. Notable performances: Thomas Kehrer claiming impressive podium hat trick with multiple wins; Anthony Vicino securing top-three finishes both days
- Gateway Cup Labor Day weekend event added to 2026 Women's Prestige Series calendar
- Fast-paced training ride organizing in Long Grove starting April. Downtown location at Robert Parker Coffin and Old McHenry intersection
- Check the regional racing portal for latest Midwest cycling updates
March 20, 2026
Team Features
An exciting new women's team joins the competitive landscape for 2026. BFF Racing brings together talented cyclists with a mission to create a supportive environment for women entering the sport. Team captains Vanessa Buccella and Annie Byrne have assembled a strong 19-rider roster including multiple state champions.
Team Foundation: Based in Chicago and supported by BFF Bikes, Gambit Coaching, and Giant Bicycles. The squad focuses on the state cup series and Liga team competition, offering structured training with an encouraging, low-pressure atmosphere.
Notable Roster Members:
- Vanessa Buccella - Category 3, Team Captain
- Annie Byrne - Category 3, Team Captain
- Fernanda Guzman - Category 4
- 19 total committed racers across all categories
The women's racing scene gains another formidable competitor. Best of luck to BFF Racing in their inaugural season!
March 19, 2026
News Roundup
- Kenosha Spring Training event #2 happening Sunday, March 23rd at Business Park location
- BFF Bikes retail location opened this week with grand opening celebration Friday, March 28th from 7-10pm. Women-focused shop and new racing team launch
- Elmhurst Cycling Classic officially announced for Friday, July 25th as part of the summer series and Liga competition
- Tour of America's Dairyland adds Beloit Bike Classic on Monday, June 23rd - course map looks spectacular
- Indoor criterium series March 31 - April 3 sold out except Women Category 4 with only 5 remaining spots
- Lincoln Park Criterium registration now open for April 12th event
- Hillsboro classic filling rapidly, especially novice fields with 75-rider limits. Pre-register and book accommodations early
March 18, 2026
Liga News
Team directors should have received registration links for the Liga competition. Quick registration requested to finalize team rosters before the season opener on April 5th.
Roster requirements: Racers must appear on their team's official roster or hold unattached licenses while designating their team affiliation. All rosters finalized before the Spring Super Criterium.
March 17, 2026
Interviews
Eric Goodwin directs one of the region's most popular season-opening events, now in its seventh year. This motorsports venue-based criterium has become the unofficial kickoff for many teams' racing calendars.
On the venue advantages: "The facility offers amenities unlike typical race venues - heated indoor registration, showers, restrooms, concessions, even rooftop spectator areas. Our relationship with the raceway provides exceptional medical response with full paramedic staff and multiple ambulances on-site."
The course character: "At 1.85 miles, it's nearly a circuit race. We call it a super criterium because of the length. Races run 30 minutes to an hour, and the schedule allows many competitors to race three times in one day. Pre-registered juniors race free - we've always encouraged youth participation."
Racing dynamics: "Built for auto racing, the corners are forgiving but wind plays a huge tactical role. Veterans know where to attack. Because the course is wide open, breakaways require extra effort since you're visible the entire time. Races finish every way imaginable - solo breaks, small groups, massive field sprints on that long finishing straight."
Best-case scenario: "Continued strong turnout, maintaining our excellent safety record, and everyone leaving exhausted but happy after getting all the racing they can handle."
March 14, 2026
Team Features
Established in 2025, Bonkers Cycling quickly made their presence felt in regional racing. The Chicago-based squad grew through 2026 with talented additions and multiple category upgrades earned through strong results.
Roster Highlights:
- Andre Odendaal - Category 3
- John Leopold - Category 3
- Andres Romero - Category 3
- Thomas Kehrer - Category 4
- Ryan Aydelott - Category 4
- 10 total registered racers
Notable Achievements: First place finishes at early season road races, multiple podium appearances at state series events. Several team members earned upgrades based on consistent results throughout the season.
Website: bonkerscycling.com
March 12, 2026
News Roundup
Spring brings excellent opportunities to introduce new racers to competitive cycling. Several upcoming skills clinics and beginner-friendly events:
- Sunday, March 16th: Skills clinic at LaBagh Woods starting 10AM. Licensed coach teaching paceline fundamentals, group riding, cornering, and training basics. Helmet raffle and refreshments included. Register here
- Sunday, March 30th: Beginner racing clinic with Half Acre Cycling
- Indoor criterium series begins Monday, March 31st running through April 3rd. Excellent introduction to racing, approximately 80% full
- Tuesday night training series at motorsports facility starting April 22nd. Six total sessions through August. Only 45 minutes from downtown, great venue for all experience levels
- Early season race calendar: Kenosha continues next three weekends, Spring Super Criterium April 5th, time trial series April 6th, Lincoln Park criterium following weekend
March 11, 2026
Training
The road racing fundamentals clinic has been rescheduled to Sunday, April 6th due to weather conditions. This skills session at LaBagh Woods offers an excellent opportunity to learn competitive cycling basics or refine technique.
Licensed coach Eric Blankinship leads instruction on paceline riding, cornering, race skills, and group ride etiquette. The three-hour session starts at 10AM with a nominal $10 fee. Helmet raffle prizes and complimentary coffee provided. Bring friends interested in trying racing! Registration available online.
March 11, 2026
Liga Analysis
What determines Liga championship success? The scoring framework rewards both individual excellence and team depth. Each squad earns points from their top ten finishers per event, plus participation bonuses for additional team members (maximum 10 participation points per race).
Strategic considerations: Results points scale with field size - larger fields offer more points but increased competition. Smaller women's and junior fields with identical podium bonuses can contribute significant overall points. While only top ten results count, larger teams gain tactical advantages plus maximum participation bonuses.
With 15 Liga events spanning the full season, consistency proves crucial. Multiple winning strategies exist depending on team composition and category strength. Sample scoring from last season's opener demonstrates how various team sizes and approaches can compete effectively.
March 3, 2026
Liga News
Complete scoring details are now available online. Teams can begin developing their strategic approach to maximize points across the 15-event championship series.
March 2, 2026
Features
The Wolfpack Hustle began as an informal Monday night ride in Los Angeles before evolving into an underground racing phenomenon. Their Marathon Crash Race on Sunday, March 9th uses the pre-dawn marathon route - 26 miles of temporarily closed LA streets.
At 4AM when marathon setup begins barricading streets, this unsanctioned event races across the city from east to beach. An intense urban cycling experience showcasing raw athletic talent and the vibrant street cycling culture of Southern California.
March 1, 2026
Features
The renowned fixed-gear criterium series launches , March 29th. This unique championship brings together professional road racers, track specialists, messengers, and urban cyclists competing on mandatory track bikes around technical circuits.
The four-round series visits New York City, Barcelona, and Milan, featuring 200 competitors from 15 countries. Fast, technical racing requiring exceptional bike handling skills and high fitness levels. Registration sold out immediately, but spectating offers an incredible atmosphere showcasing fixed-gear racing culture.