USA CRITS Series: The Streets of Fire Criterium Takes Center Stage

The 2026 USA CRITS series reaches a critical juncture this week as the competition moves to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. On Friday, May 22, 2026, the series hosts its seventh event of the eight-race calendar: The Streets of Fire Criterium.

As the series winds down, the intensity in the professional peloton is palpable. With only two races remaining in the 2026 circuit, riders are vying for every available point to solidify their standings in one of the most demanding criterium formats in the country.

Event Schedule: May 22, 2026

The Streets of Fire Criterium features high-speed, technical racing under the lights in Winston-Salem. Fans and followers of the sport can catch the action live as the professional fields take to the course.

• Pro Women’s Race: 7:10 p.m. EDT
• Pro Men’s Race: 9:15 p.m. EDT

The Path to the Finale

The USA CRITS series remains a premier showcase for tactical bike racing, characterized by tight corners, high-speed pack dynamics, and explosive finishes. The Streets of Fire event serves as the penultimate race of the 2026 season, setting the stage for the final showdown.

For those unable to attend in person, the series continues its commitment to accessibility, with live coverage of the races available for streaming. Following the conclusion of the Winston-Salem event, the series will prepare for its final race, marking the end of a grueling spring and early summer campaign for the professional teams involved.

Key Takeaways for Fans

• High Stakes: As the seventh of eight races, the Streets of Fire Criterium is a pivotal moment for overall series rankings.
• Live Access: The Velo platform is providing live streaming coverage for the entirety of the 2026 USA CRITS calendar.
• Technical Course: Winston-Salem’s Streets of Fire is known for its challenging layout, requiring precision handling and strategic positioning from the start line to the final lap.

As the series progresses toward its conclusion, keep an eye on the standings to see which riders and teams have the endurance and tactical acumen to dominate the final stages of the 2026 season.