2026 Vann Knight Tuesday Night World Championship Criterium Training Series 3/10/26 to 9/1/26

What: A St. Louis cycling tradition. The Vann Knight Tuesday Night World Championship Criterium Series has been going on for over 30 years. This is the perfect training opportunity for any cyclist who wants the challenge of fast, mass start bike racing. Keep your fitness sharp and experience the American cycling art form of criterium racing. These are a mass start bicycle racing format that defines grassroots racing in America.

When: Tuesday Evenings, March 10th - September 1st, 2026

Why: Experience is the best teacher. Criterium racing is terrific for improving speed, tactics, positioning, handling, and fitness.

Where: Carondelet Park 3900 Holly Hills Blvd, 63136

How it Works: Each race lasts a specified duration plus 3 laps with the final lap signaled by the ringing of a bell.

Race Information:

Most evenings there are two races: A and B

• The "A Race" will be for USA Cycling Category 1, 2, and 3 licensed racers.
• The "B Race" will be for USA Cycling Category 4 and 5 licensed Men, Category 1-5 licensed Women, and Masters 50+ Category 1/2/3 Men, All Juniors
• Racing Age for Juniors is defined as being under 18 prior to 12/31 of the current year.

Pre-Race Clinics: These will hopefully return for the 2026 season.

Photos! Check out Chuck Steib's Gallery Here

The Course: is a wide open .7 mile loop with a fast downhill turn + a bit of elevation gain.  Pavement quality is near perfect and corners are very safe.

The Perfunctory Stipulation: In exchange for usage of the course, the City of St Louis requests that we simply respect the Park and the residents of the adjacent Carondelet neighborhood. 

Parking: The area will be available as close to 5:30 pm as possible. The Park will be closed to traffic. Please park on a perimeter street and ride in. 

Race Results: Top 6 will be scored in each category and will be posted online. 

Early Number Pick-Up Saturday, March 7th - Register early for the first race, purchase a Season Pass and get your cloth bib number early on Saturday March 7th from 2pm until 5pm at Big Shark's Big Bend Location- 1155 South Big Bend Blvd. 63117

• You will need to sign a TNW Waiver. This year the events are insured through the Sports Insurance Company. We will be using USA Cycling categories and rules. You must race your USAC license category, no exceptions. 
• Please show your USA Cycling License for A or B race assignment. Riders without a license will race in the B Race. 
• Payment - Credit card Only- Online through Bike Reg (made payable to Big Shark Bicycle Company)

Registration:  Online Only - on site will be possible via www.bikereg.com and opens around 5:00 pm each Tuesday.  Registration closes 30 seconds prior to the start of each race. Numbers issued are for the entire series- so hang on to your bib number!

Race Fees are as follows:

• Entry fee is $25.
• Your 2nd race on the same night: $5
• Fees include a $5 per rider insurance surcharge.
• Replacement bib numbers: $5
• Season Pass- before March 10th, purchase all 26 races for $520. This includes a 2nd race on the same night. Season Pass holders must check in each evening at the registration tent.
• The Junior Race Entry is underwritten by Renaissance Financial Services

Continuing for 2026! The Renaissance Financial Junior Race Series. Renaissance Financial, a St. Louis based business and personal financial planning company, is committed to growing Junior Cycling. All Junior Entry Fees for every Big Shark produced Road, Time Trial, Criterium, or Cyclocross Event are underwritten. The only requirement is that each Junior provide a minimum of one hour of volunteer work at one of our events. From helping set-up, assisting during the race, or helping at the end of the day. Email us to volunteer: mike@bigshark.com  

Important!  ALL participants must race their USA Cycling category. All riders must report to registration each evening to be included on the start list, including season pass holders.

Primes and Prizes for this year's races are provided by Chef Gerard Craft and Pastaria!

Fine Print:

• *The first month of racing, March 11th through March 25th, the race times will be adjusted to accommodate for daylight. The "B" Race will start at 6:45pm through March.
• The "A" and "B" races will each have one 'open' prime.
• The "A" and "B" races will each have one women's prime.
• For additional information contact Mike Weiss at 314-862-1188 or mike@bigshark.com

Race Results will be posted on our Results Page

Please note: Hazardous riding, unsportsmanlike conduct, and unsafe equipment will not be tolerated. Ride smart, safe, and with respect. Weather updates and series information will be shared on Big Shark's Facebook Page and via our email list.