Cycling Competition Victories: Aline Seitz clinches series front-runner position in Downer Grove, while Ben Oliver beats men's leader Brody McDonald in a thrilling sprint finish at the American Criterium Cup
In the heart of Southeast Wisconsin, the Downer Classic criterium marked the third stop in the American Criterium Cup (ACC) national series and the 10th race in the regional Kwik Trip Tour of America's Dairyland p/b ISCorp. Now in its 17th season, the Downer Classic criterium and the Kwik Trip Tour of America's Dairyland have become staples of the American cycling community.
The Downer Classic criterium served as a battleground for elite cyclists, with several notable performances. In the women's race, Aline Seitz clinched a victory, securing the ACC red leader's jersey after Kendall Ryan's absence. Seitz's win marked her first series win of the year, and she also achieved four podiums throughout the 11-day Kwik Trip Tour of America's Dairyland (ToAD). Meanwhile, Marlies Mejias took the ACC sprint lead after her fifth-place finish at Downer Grove.
The men's race at ToAD saw a participation of 172 riders, with Ben Oliver securing his fourth win for the week and a significant $4,500 worth of primes on the line during the final three laps. Oliver's victory marked his first ACC win, while Maurice Ballerstedt took third place. Brody McDonald finished second, taking the lead in the ACC individual men's standings.
Several riders from Project Echelon Racing and Cadence Cyclery made moves in the final laps, resulting in a thrilling finish. Cade Bickmore finished fourth in the men's race at ToAD, racing for Project Echelon Racing. Skylar Schneider, a local favorite and WorldTour rider, finished 14th at Downer Grove, but won earlier in the week at Central Bay View Classic.
The American Criterium Cup (ACC) is a premier criterium racing series in the United States, renowned for its intense and tactical nature. The series includes several key races like the Boise Twilight Criterium and the Fulton Market Grand Prix in Chicago. Its significance lies in providing a central platform for elite and professional criterium racers to compete across a multi-event championship, offering national visibility and competitive points, contributing to the growth and popularity of criterium racing in the U.S., and linking with other regional race series and important standalone races.
In summary, the American Criterium Cup and the Kwik Trip Tour of America's Dairyland continue to be significant events in the American cycling community, providing a platform for elite and professional cyclists to compete and showcase their talents. The Downer Classic criterium, in particular, served as a crucial stop in the ACC national series and the regional Kwik Trip Tour of America's Dairyland p/b ISCorp, attracting top riders and fostering strong competition.
Sports enthusiasts and cycling aficionados gathered for the Downer Classic criterium, a significant event in the American Criterium Cup (ACC) national series and the Kwik Trip Tour of America's Dairyland. This race, known for its intense and tactical nature, offered a valuable opportunity for elite cyclists to compete and showcase their talents.
