Get ready, cycling fans! The American Criterium Cup is gearing up for an exciting return in 2026, promising a thrilling series of races across the U.S. This time around, the competition will feature six high-octane, one-day events, kicking off with the renowned Saint Francis Tulsa Tough on June 6th, 2026.
This series is not just about the races; it's about the rewards too! A generous prize purse of $140,000 is up for grabs, split evenly between the pro women and pro men, with $16,000 awarded at each event. Additionally, the series will distribute an extra $44,000.
The journey begins in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and then the racers will head to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on June 27th, as part of the Tour of America's Dairyland. July will see the riders in Boise, Idaho, for the Bailey & Glasser LLP Boise Twilight Criterium on the 11th, followed by a stop in Chicago, Illinois, for the Chicago GRIT on July 26th. The action continues in Salt Lake City, Utah, with the one-day race moving from June to mid-August. The series culminates on September 6th in St. Louis, Missouri, at the Bommarito Automotive Group Gateway Cup, traditionally known as the Giro della Montagna.
But here's where it gets controversial... The article also touches on the return of a cyclist, Ballerstedt, to the WorldTour, as announced on Instagram. He expressed his joy in racing for himself, without team obligations, and now feels ready to compete on a larger stage.
Rylee McMullen of Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28 won the green jersey as sprint champion, and her team celebrated the women's team classification victory. Kendall Ryan (L39ION of Los Angeles) secured three victories in three starts and finished fourth overall.
American Criterium Cup 2026 Schedule:
- June 6: Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, Oklahoma
- June 27: Tour of America’s Dairyland, Wisconsin
- July 11: Bailey & Glasser LLP Boise Twilight Criterium, Idaho
- July 26: Chicago GRIT - Fulton Market Grand Prix, Illinois
- August 15: Utah Crits, Utah
- September 6: Bommarito Automotive Group Gateway Cup, Missouri
And this is the part most people miss... The article also gives us a glimpse into the background of Jackie, who has over 30 years of experience in professional sports. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a sports marketing and public relations agency, and has been involved in various cycling events.
What do you think about the American Criterium Cup's schedule? Are there any races you're particularly excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
