Like a good-old fashioned burlesque show, the new teams of 2008 are heating things up by revealing themselves ever so gradually. Among this week’s revelations:

• » The Chicago Cuttin’ Crew is open for business. The Crew is mostly composed of working messengers, many formerly of XXX Racing-AthletiCo. Having been beaten by them in many an alleycat and ‘cross race, I can confirm this: They’re fearless and wicked fast.

• » Beer remains many cyclists’ favorite instrument of carb loading. Thus let us welcome Half Acre Cycling, sponsored by Chicago’s Half Acre Beer Company. I recognize on its roster products of Killjoy, Team Pegasus and XXX Racing-AthletiCo. Look for them on the road, on the track and in the dirt in one of the more handsome kits we’ve seen.

• » Mark Swartzendruber announced on True Sport, as only the ‘Druber can, that Lucas Oil is taking over title sponsorship of the team formerly known as Delta Faucet. His squad has picked up a few elite masters riders, too.

Who will be next to drop the veil of secrecy and expose the delights underneath? Stay tuned!