Oktoberfest Beer & Bike Race

Get ready for an exhilarating weekend as international bike racers descend upon Detroit to kick off the 2023-24 season of Mad Track Cycling's (MTC) Winter Six Race Series. The Oktoberfest Beer & Bike Race 2 Day event is set to take place at 7:30 pm on Friday, October 20th, and Saturday, October 21st. Competitors will be racing on America's only 1/10th-mile indoor velodrome, nestled within the impressive white structure of the Lexus Velodrome at the intersection of Mack and I-75 in the vibrant Midtown district.

This action-packed weekend will witness professional athletes hailing from Europe, South America, Canada, and across the United States, vying for cash prizes. They'll be testing their skill in the intense sport of Madison Track Racing, a unique two-person relay-style competition where teammates exchange positions in the race by literally "throwing" each other into the frenzied mix. These exchanges occur approximately every 45 seconds, spanning 120 laps around the 50-degree banked oval. The event lineup also includes thrilling races such as the elimination, chases, and competitions featuring semi-pros, juniors, and women.

The featured Madison race is the hallmark event of Mad Track Cycling, created to showcase the two-person bike game that highlights incredible speed and extraordinary technical skill. All of this is done while pedaling brakeless bikes on steeply banked tracks. The Madison, often referred to as "l'American" on the European racing circuit, originated in New York's Madison Square Gardens in 1899. Dale Hughes, Chairman of MTC, describes it as "the most exciting of the games played on bicycles," emphasizing the need for racers to be at the top of their game at all times. A misstep can be disastrous, but a well-executed move can secure victory. Additionally, the Madison is an Olympic event, providing spectators with a taste of what to expect at the upcoming games in Paris.

At the Oktoberfest and all MTC races, spectators can savor the thrill of being within 10 feet of the action in intimate trackside seating. They can also indulge in a variety of beverages from the Spoke Easy Bar and savor delicious cuisine from KDubs food truck, all while soaking in the unique atmosphere of indoor bike racing, a treasure exclusive to Detroit. Plus, free parking is available right next to the velodrome. Tickets, priced at $15 - $20, can be purchased online or at the door.

The Mad Track Winter Six season includes this weekend's Oktoberfest Beer & Bikes, followed by USA Cycling's 2023 US National Madison Championships on November 17th and 18th, the Detroit Madison Cup on December 15th and 16th, the VI Anniversary 2 Day Race on January 12th and 13th, the Accelerator E-Bike Pacer Race on February 9th and 10th, and the grand finale, the 2023 Lexus Velodrome Championships on March 15th and 16th. MTC is also dedicated to promoting a development series of Saturday Night Rumbles featuring the most exceptional regional racers in the nation.

Mad Track Cycling's headquarters can be found at the Lexus Velodrome in Detroit, located at 601 Mack Avenue, adjacent to I-75. The Lexus Velodrome is not just about racing; it also offers a range of fitness programs, including a free Senior Walk & Workout program and ongoing free "How to Ride a Bike" classes for kids. Visitors can also enjoy activities like roller skating, disc golf, and more. The venue is a popular choice for hosting special events, from charity fundraisers to car shows and even birthday parties. For all the details, visit MadTrackCycling.com or LexusVelodrome.com, or call 313-265-6725.