America’s biggest bike race returns to Bloomington

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana University’s Little 500 is one of the biggest bike races in the world. Known as the world’s greatest college weekend, any student you ask is happy to say it happens at their school in Bloomington.

“I think the energy here is so infectious,” said Maggie Steward, a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Cycling team. “Everywhere you turn, there’s so many people and our house supporting us is awesome, so we’re looking forward to going out there and having a good race.”

More than just a bike race, one of IU’s favorite traditions is back and it’s brought a different type of energy to Bloomington’s campus. Cyclists say it’s exciting to see the track come together after months of training.

“It’s been awesome seeing the track come together in the past two weeks,” said Lauren Tincher, bike captain of the Alpha Delta Pi cycling team. “It’s exciting to see this and all the hard work IUSF has put into IU Foundation.”

Bikers won’t just be racing, but also raising money for Students Helping Students, a foundation that is close to many students. This year, they are focusing on mental health and raising as much money as they can to help any students struggling with it.

There will be 66 teams and 264 cyclists racing around Bill Armstrong Stadium over the next two days, competing to win the little 500 Borg-Warner trophy.

A lot of work goes into competing in these races that the average fan might not know. The competition level rises every year and the cyclists train year-round.

“People will do workouts on the cinders, and we have open track throughout the spring,” said Peter Schulz, assistant director of Little 500 Races. “We have a fall series as well for bikers to train, and then people will go out on the road as well.”

While people are excited for the Little 500 races, the Indy 500 is just a month away. Representatives from the Indy 500 World Tour made a pit stop in Bloomington to get fans excited for the big race. Fans there can see a show car and, of course, take pictures with the world-famous milk. Leaders say there are some similarities between the IndyCar race and the bike race.

“It’s all about pride, it’s about endurance and strength,” said Chanel Day, an intern with the IMS marketing team. “It’s the same way it is for the Indianapolis 500 with our drivers.”

The women’s race is today at 4 p.m., and the men’s race will be tomorrow at 2 p.m.