Blackstone Bicycle Works Youth Cyclocross Team Rolls Into the Season

With support from USA Cycling’s Everyone Rides Community Impact Grant, the Blackstone Bicycle Works (BBW) Youth Cyclocross Team in Chicago launched its season with momentum, confidence, and first-time race experiences that are already paying off.

On July 23, seven BBW youths toed the line at a local short-track race—several for the very first time—gaining race experience in a supportive, welcoming environment. One month later, on August 20, four riders returned to compete again, and two earned category wins, a testament to how quickly confidence and skill can grow with structured opportunities to try, learn, and come back stronger.

The team plans to use grant funds to offset race registration fees and purchase cycling kits, two of the biggest financial hurdles for new youth racers. By directing resources to these essentials, BBW will open the door for more young riders to participate this fall without cost standing in the way.

Beyond results, BBW reports that the cyclocross team is engaging older teen riders with meaningful challenges, mentorship, and growth on and off the bike. Their success is also raising BBW’s visibility citywide and inspiring more local youth to get involved with cycling—an impact that extends well beyond the start grid.

USA Cycling is proud to support Blackstone Bicycle Works as they create access, opportunity, and community for young riders. We’ll share more stories as the season unfolds. For questions about the Everyone Rides Community Impact Grant, contact ssanchez@usacycling.org.