USA Cycling’s National Championships Coming To Detroit

DETROIT, MI — For the first time since 1978, Detroit will be the host city for a national championship for bike racing. USA Cycling’s "U.S. Madison National Track Championships" will be held Nov. 12 14, 2021 at the Lexus Velodrome, which is owned and operated by the Detroit Fitness Foundation.

Top racers from across the U.S. and Detroit’s best will compete on the one-of-a-kind cycling track. Championship racing begins at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 12 and Saturday, Nov. 13 and 1 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 14.

The Madison Championships features 2-rider teams competing in a race style similar to a relay race – but vastly different. Using hand sling exchanges, teammates go in and out of the racing for the entire distance of the race.

The Madison racers have a unique combination of skill, speed, strength, and bike savvy to negotiate the tight quarters of the track and the shoulder-to-shoulder intensity of pack racing.

The bikes have no brakes, speeds reach up to 40 MPH. The style was developed at Madison Square Gardens in the early 1900s and is known worldwide as “L’American.”

Detroit bike race fans will be able to witness the action unfold at the very affordable price of $15 and $20. Tickets available at this link. At home, viewers can watch races live streamed on
Facebook, Flobikes.tv, Instagram, etc.

Owned by the Michigan nonprofit Detroit Fitness Foundation, the Lexus Velodrome showcases the cycling track but also includes a walk, run and skate oval, group fitness studio and free weight work out space.

Its infield café - the SpokeEasy Lounge, serves up beverages of every kind and is open for all race events. Meade Lexus of Lakeside, Meade Lexus of Southfield and Lexus of Ann Arbor are primary sponsors of the venue. Diversified Members Credit Union and the RAPHA Foundation are also supporters.