For those of us in the Midwest, the outdoor cycling season gets it’s start in March. But where are the races? Currently, there isn’t a comprehensive list of all races in a particular region, but checking state association, velodrome, and a few race listing websites will help you track down the events in your area. Depending on your plans for racing, you’ll quickly find a couple of sites that work best for you.
A few samples from the Midwest include:
- State associations: Wisconsin Cycling Association, Michigan Bicycle Racing Association, Ohio Cycling Association, Minnesota Cycling Federation, Iowa Bicycle Racing Association, and others.
- Velodrome websites: Ed Rudolph (Northbrook) Velodrome (IL), Velodrome at Bloomer Park (MI), Kenosha Velodrome (WI)
- Cycling associations: USA Cycling, ABR (American Bicycle Racing)
- Race listing sites: TrueSport.com, BikeReg.com, Sportsbaseonline.com
I recommend checking the race calendars weekly for new races, changes, and cancellations. Make sure to look ahead 3 weeks—if not further—so that you can make decisions about your race schedule and pre-register. Many races accept online registration and payment, but some still require you to mail in your registration, which is why I recommend the 3 week window. Planning ahead will often save you $5 and a bit of time at check-in on race day.