New racing formats like Formula Fixed bring excitement, but reviving road cycling needs more than novelty. Simplicity and tradition hold the real solution.
The rise of Formula Fixed sparks hope, but questions remain
A new format called Formula Fixed is set to launch at the end of this year in the United States. It features fixed-gear bike racing on small, indoor tracks. The idea is to engage both in-person and online audiences. It sounds exciting and could attract fans, especially in cities like Bristol. The team behind it deserves credit for trying something different. If it gets more people interested in cycling, that’s a good thing.
Not the first attempt to reinvent US cycling
Formula Fixed is just the latest in a series of attempts to bring bike racing back into American life. Previous efforts like the National Cycling League promised a lot—city-based franchises, big investments, and celebrity support—but fizzled out quickly. These attempts often shine briefly before fading. While this new idea may succeed, there are reasons to be cautious.
Why tradition still matters
Too much change in sports can backfire. Test cricket, for example, has a rich legacy. Newer formats like Twenty20 add excitement, but when sports go too far—like with The Hundred—they risk losing their essence. The Tour de France still dominates cycling for a reason. It’s proof that traditional formats can still captivate audiences. While it’s fine to explore new ideas, we should not ignore what already works.
US road racing is in trouble
Major races like the Tours of Utah, California, and Colorado have disappeared. North America now only hosts two WorldTour one-day races in Canada. That’s a big fall for such a large market. Formula Fixed isn’t designed to revive road racing, but the sport clearly needs a boost. Road cycling in the US needs more than flashy formats—it needs real investment and smart planning.
What’s holding cycling back?
The shadow of Lance Armstrong still hangs over American cycling. His rise and fall left a lasting impact. But even with that history, there’s room for a new path forward. That path shouldn’t involve parking lot criteriums or short-lived stunts. A strong UCI-backed race in the US could spark real change. Road racing deserves a proper place on the calendar.
This is a global problem, not just American
The UK and parts of Europe also struggle with keeping road racing popular. Some solutions show promise. For example, Rapha’s Super-League in Britain connects existing races in a clearer format. It helps fans follow the season more easily. This idea builds on existing races, rather than replacing them. It proves that better structure can make the sport more accessible and exciting.
Not everything in cycling is broken
Despite the challenges, many parts of cycling still work well. The Spring Classics were exciting. The Grand Tours still attract big audiences. What’s missing isn’t excitement—it’s clarity. A simplified calendar and clear formats could go a long way. Instead of trying to rebuild from scratch, organizers should focus on making what we already have easier to follow and enjoy.
One Cycling and the hope for a unified future
One Cycling is a long-discussed project that could solve some of these issues. It might shorten the season, make finances more fair, and help both teams and organizers. But it depends on cooperation from many different groups. Right now, that unity still seems far off.
People need access to the sport
Another big problem is access. Many fans are priced out of watching races on TV. This has been a long-standing issue in the US and now affects the UK too. If fans can’t see races, they won’t get interested in the sport. Affordable access—both live and on screen—is key to building a new generation of fans.
The real solution is simple
A clearer calendar, fewer overlapping races, and better TV options would help. So would a financial model that supports teams and event organizers. These steps aren’t flashy, but they’re essential. If everyday fans and journalists can see the path forward, surely those in charge can too.
Hope for the future, beyond Formula Fixed
Formula Fixed could work. It may even be a hit. But for cycling to thrive, especially in the US, we need more than novelty. Road racing must return to the spotlight—not just as a memory, but as a living, growing sport for the future.
The appeal of new formats like Formula Fixed is clear, but sustainable growth in cycling will depend on tradition, structure, and better fan access.
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