IUSF and Riders Council hosted their first event with fans in attendance since the 2019 Little 500.
The event was called Tuesday Night Race Series and its goal is to test riders’ skills, speed, and endurance before the actual race begins in the spring. Riders match up in what is called “Heats” which has four to five racers riding against one another in speed elimination races.
Hank Duncan Race Director for Riders Council and Kate Duckworth Little 500 bike rider explain their excitement to have fans in attendance and prepare for the race in a normal environment. “To have fans in the stands is huge and improves the engagement for riders and people involved with putting on the race,” says Duncan.
The stands were filled with mostly friends and family members who help coach other teams, but riders are excited to be back on the track competing against one another. Kate Duckworth says, “It was my first time riding in Tuesday Night Race series and the atmosphere was completely positive.”
The Little 500 in 2021 ran with no fans in the stands and kept the tradition alive for riders and alumni but failed to bring the energy and excitement of the race.
COVID-19 had a huge impact on how riders and volunteers could interact with one another. Daniel Kang rider for Black Key Bulls elaborates saying “it’s easier interacting with teammates and people in the community, which is what the Little 500 is all about.”
The community is the most important aspect when putting on Fall Series events like Tuesday Night Race Series. Improving the number of people in the community is the main focus for Duncan and IUSF coming back from the pandemic.
Most students at Indiana University have not even seen or been to a Little 500 in person with the race being canceled in 2020. IUSF and Riders council have been trying to educate students about race and what actions students could take to get involved.
The Little 500 is the most prestigious college cycling event in the country. A movie based around the event called “Breaking Away” won an Oscar in 1980. Improving the status and prestige of the event especially within the city of Bloomington.
Riders appreciate the growth and spectacle the race brings to their college experience. It’s a year-round commitment for some riders that want to accomplish the ultimate goal of winning the Little 500. “Bringing back competitions in the summer has brought back the competitiveness within the team aspect,” says Kang.
IUSF and Riders council will continue to host events in the fall and spring leading up to the Little 500. The goal for the organization is to have a stand filled with fans for riders and alumni that did not get the full experience in previous years. The cycling community is anticipating an unbelievable event that will bring happiness to students who will see their first Little 500 race.
The Little 500 is scheduled to begin on April 22nd and 23rd for both men and women riders. Students and alumni have expressed their excitement for the return of the race in person. IUSF and Riders Council are excited for the opportunity to host the Little 500 and hope to bring back the tradition that brings happiness to the city of Bloomington. https://iusf.indiana.edu/