SpeedWeek Review
+SPEEDCLUB MEDIA
The biggest week in criterium racing, SpeedWeek has come to an end! We are thrilled to report that our racers surpassed all expectations with outstanding performances, leaving us and the competition in awe. We couldn't be prouder of not only their results but also the manner in which they achieved them. Throughout the week, they raced with class, enthusiasm, entertainment, and connection, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
The first weekend started off strong, with Michael putting in incredible performances at Greenville (he lapped the field) and Spartanburg, where he spent the entirety of the race in the break. The first weekend built up to the “Super Bowl” of criterium racing—Athens Twilight, where every major professional team in the US sent a full squad.
Our day started spectacularly, with Iain MacKeith once again picking up a win in the 2/3 category. This followed his dramatic victory at Sunny King. His successes have been inspiring, and we have a feeling his competitors will be petitioning for a forced upgrade soon!
The Pro event did not disappoint either, with many considering it the greatest edition of Twilight that Athens has ever seen. Being biased, we HAVE to attribute that determination to Michael’s performance and showmanship.
Without a call-up, he started at the back of the 160-man field. By lap 3, he was somehow pinned to the front. The night wasn’t without some calamity as a front derailleur malfunction left him stuck in the small ring and rushing to the pits. MG made his way back in and surfed easily from the field up to the breakaway. Two riders turned into three, and after neutralization, it turned into five riders (hmmm). MG was locked in with the crowd, engaging fans and putting on a show with an ease that was frankly baffling. In the pit, giving splits with Dr. Allen as his assistant, Chad commented, “It's like we are playing a video game!”
As the race went into the final laps with the break firmly established, Michael made his move to bridge up to Robin Carpenter (Legion of Los Angeles) with two to go but was countered by a fresher Thomas Gibbons (Automatic Racing). He finished strong, left nothing in the tank, and landed an admirable 5th place.
After four straight race days making the breakaway, MG had landed himself in the overall SpeedWeek lead. Let the games begin. The lead teetered between him and the Reign Storm team through the last four races. With the jersey on the line in the second to last race in LaGrange, we decided to go full “Hulk Smash” mode. When the dust settled, MG had lapped the field with four guys sitting on his wheel and finished on the podium. The overall jersey was on “lock,” as the kids say…or at least we thought.
We decided to ride defensively on the final day, staying close to second place rider and keeping the overall lead in check. A puncture with 12 laps to go created some stress, but things remained under control. In an act of good sportsmanship, a Ribble Rider (Team out of the UK) offered Michael his wheel in lieu of taking the neutral. Soon after the race ended and the celebration began, Reign Storm protested the technicality, and MG was relegated for accepting a wheel change from another team. This is how he lost the overall - not through effort. With six guys versus one, Reign Storm finally found a way to beat him.
We chatted with Michael about the week in our latest podcast, and we encourage you to listen.
We are beyond proud of his efforts, respect for others, representation of our sponsor brands, and utmost passion for racing. What a thrill!
MGR CORNER
Hey everyone!
It’s been a wildly calm start to the week. I’m enjoying some downtime after a whirlwind of the last few weeks. I'm kicking my legs up, decompressing, and letting my body and mind reset before US Pro Nationals towards the end of next week.
SpeedWeek was an absolute machine of movement. Packing, prepping, travel, racing, a few school finals, and a bit of stress as we fought for the overall title. The week as a whole was truly incredible. I’ve never felt such a deep connection to my bike, my community, and the fans. I received countless messages about my riding style, pushing hard, and how I’ve inspired others to get back on their bikes. There is no feeling paralleled.
It was tough to have the win stripped on the final day due to a technicality. I understand I violated a rule, but I wish the officials were more understanding that I took no advantage and won the series on nothing less than my legs. As mentioned above, we spoke on matters and my feelings after the week on the podcast.
I’m excited to lay low for the next few days before traveling to West Virginia for nationals next week. I’ll take on the time trial, criterium and road race - solo.
It’s exciting to be back on the TT bike, the discipline I won a national championship in as an U23. I’m on a level of fitness I’ve never had before, a level of love for the sport I’ve never had before, and a level of support from my community I’ve never had before.
To all the partners making this possible- Apto Solutions, SnapCare, BMC, Kask, Koo, Cuore, and Wahoo Fitness, thank you. To all the people that have come out to support, sent messages, and been there for me from near and far , thank you.
This is just the beginning.
Happy riding,
MG