The American Criterium Cup (ACC) continues its compelling journey through diverse American locales, embracing unique communities and offering thrilling racing experiences. This week, the racing scene transforms as the ACC arrives in the bustling urban hub of Chicago for the prestigious Chicago Grit series.
Formerly known as the Intelligentsia Cup, the Chicago Grit stands out as Illinois’ premier bike racing series, featuring ten days of racing across the Chicagoland area. This event attracts riders from all corners of the nation and the globe, promising one of the most significant criterium fields of the year.
The Chicago Grit series, much like its counterpart in Wisconsin—the Tour of America’s Dairyland—provides racers with a unique proximity to events, local attractions, and an exhilarating racing atmosphere. The ACC culmination in Chicago is particularly noteworthy, taking place on Sunday, July 27th, with races set against the iconic backdrop of the Fulton Market neighborhood.
Racing kicks off with the women’s event at 3:30 PM Central Time, followed by the men’s race at 4:55 PM Central Time. The Fulton Market course itself, a flat 0.77-mile rectangular loop, is designed to challenge the riders with a combination of fast straightaways and tight corners.
While the layout may seem simple at first glance, it is essential to remember that the racers themselves truly shape the event. Last year’s competitions were anything but basic, as fierce racing ensued on this straightforward course.
As the ACC arrives in Chicago, the stakes are high. With the season reaching its crescendo, points are on the line and excitement is palpable. Four key contenders have emerged in the men’s division, setting the stage for an intense battle for the overall ACC title.
Maurice Ballerstedt, currently leading the standings, has a slender five-point advantage over Brody McDonald, following closely with 116 points. Danny Summerhill and Lucas Bourgoyne are also in the mix, with 114 and 110 points, respectively.
Ballerstedt has noted a lack of victories thus far this season but remains the most consistent competitor in the series. A win at Fulton Market would significantly bolster his lead and mark an impressive achievement in his first full season of American criterium racing.
On the other hand, McDonald’s team will provide much-needed support during the race. With Tyler Williams returning from injury and eager to assist, McDonald’s previous solo struggles at sprinter-friendly courses may be alleviated thanks to team dynamics.
Danny Summerhill is similarly positioned to capitalize on the Chicago event, with a stronger supporting cast in place than in previous races. His teammates Alec Cowan and Robin Carpenter will accompany him, ready to strategize and enhance his chances for a strong performance.
Cadence Cyclery, led by Bourgoyne, has showcased a well-rounded team with considerable firepower throughout the season. Bourgoyne’s prominence as a leading rider in the ACC is backed by talented teammates like Luke Fetzer, who recently seized an impressive victory in Boise, further solidifying the team’s strength.
While the men’s race presents a showdown between four exceptional athletes, the women’s event appears somewhat settled at the top. Aline Seitz of UTC Butcherbox Cycling holds a comfortable lead in the individual standings, while Virginia’s Blue Ridge Twenty28 dominates the team classification.
Seitz comes into Chicago with 124 points, followed by Andrea Cyr from Fount Cycling Guild with 110 points, and Makayla MacPherson at 82 points. Rylee McMullen and Kendall Ryan follow closely, each vying for critical points.
Ryan, a notable returnee to the ACC circuit, carries expectations as a top contender. With strong backing from teammates Holly Breck and Laurel Rathburn from L39ion of Los Angeles, Ryan is poised for pressure exertion on her competitors, particularly against Seitz, Cyr, and McMullen.
The race strategy will play a pivotal role, with L39ion tasked to pace the race and monitor attacks to secure a smooth lead-out for Ryan. The dynamic between attacker strategies and team coordination will be imperative in determining the race outcome.
Furthermore, several potential dark horses in the mix could upset the favorites. Riders like former ACC champion Paola Munoz from Fearless Femme Racing and Elizabeth Dixon from Fount Cycling Guild could push the pace and challenge the established order.
Anticipation builds for the Fulton Market Criterium, as racers from both men’s and women’s divisions prepare to deliver thrilling performances in one of the season’s highlights. As we await the spectacle of Chicago Grit, the intersection of strategy, speed, and teamwork will be on full display, culminating in what promises to be a memorable conclusion to this chapter of the American Criterium Cup.
image source from：usacycling
