Early reports from Wednesday’s debut of the Soldier Field Cycling Series are very positive. Riders loved the high production values —  Pepsi Max podium gals! — and say the course was better than what one would expect in a parking lot, although I’m told a narrow turn caused some problems for the crowded, sold-out 4/5’s field.

Women’s fields were tiny and the P/1/2/3’s race wasn’t enormous either, but I expect many people sat this one out to see how the first night played out. Here’s hoping for larger fields come the next round on July 1, and 4/5’s would be wise to pre-register to guarantee their spot.

Full results.

Race reports
Erik Didriksen (XXX Racing-AthletiCo; 4/5): “It was sketchy at times, but no more so than most 75-rider 4/5 criteriums.”

Seth Meyer (XXX Racing-AthletiCo; P/1/2/3): “Suddenly my man Jason Knauff (Burnham Racing) and I were reeling in this break that had been off the front for most of the hour.”

Martin Michalowicz (MS Racing; 4/5): “With three laps to go, I grabbed Dan’s wheel and started an MS train into the final lap.”

Brian Morrissey (XXX Racing-AthletiCo; 4/5): “Out of saddle to the line, with what feels like a bag of cinderblocks on my back, I throw just before I get pipped out of the top three.”

Spidermonkey Cycling (4/5): “I was able to gain position on the beck stretch but then lost it in the last two turns before the finish.”

Photos
Kevin Keeley
Soldier Field Cycling