Cross Chain Productions

05/25/2026

Here are the schedules for this weekends Confluence Cup! Des Moines is ready to play host to 3 days of Criterium action!

05/23/2026

This time next week we will be taking to the streets in the MRKT District! 3 days left to register!! Don’t put it off any longer!

05/22/2026

The final SPRINT for registration is here 5 days left to secure your spot... LET'S GO RACING!!! 🏁

05/20/2026

We are sneaking up on a week away from the Confluence Cup! Are you ready for some heart pounding Crit action right out your front door?!

05/12/2026

Gearing up for a high energy weekend in Downtown Des Moines. Confluence Cup 🏆May 29th - 31st.

05/08/2026

3 weeks. Fields are filling up faster than a sprint lap. Your spot isn't guaranteed. Register now. 🏆

05/05/2026

Less than 1 month out from our biggest event to date, 2026 Confluence Cupis May 29-31!!! We are looking for volunteers to round out our event team! With no experience necessary please spread the word! Here is a link to our sign up for a list of roles that need filled. If you don't find a role that suits you let us know we would love to have all the help we can get! Thanks in advance!

SignUp.com makes it easy to coordinate school events & classroom activities, fundraisers, snack schedules, potlucks & more!

05/01/2026

Never watched a criterium race before?

If you’re looking for a high-octane, heart-pounding way to spend your holiday, look no further than the streets of Des Moines. But wait—what exactly is a "criterium" (or "crit"), and why is everyone so obsessed with it?

Forget the long, slow road races—this is Criterium (Crit) Racing. Think of it as NASCAR on two wheels: fast, loud, and happening right in front of your face. Here’s your updated guide to the three-day speed fest hosted by Cross Chain Productions.

🏁 What Exactly is a "Crit"?
A Criterium is a high-speed bike race held on short, closed-off city circuits (usually around 1 mile or less).

The Action: Riders hit speeds of 35-40 mph and lean their bikes at dizzying angles to whip around tight city corners.

The Proximity: Unlike other sports where you’re stuck in a nosebleed seat, here you stand inches from the barriers. You’ll feel the "whoosh" of air and hear the hum of carbon fiber wheels as the pack flies by every few minutes.

The "Primes" (Preems): Listen for the bell! That signals a mid-race sprint for cash or prizes, turning an already fast race into an all-out drag race.

📅 The Confluence Cup Weekend Lineup
Three days. Three distinct vibes.

1. FRIDAY (May 29): The MRKT Eliminator
📍 Market District (Historic East Village)
Kick off the weekend on fresh pavement! This is a "super speedway" style race on a lightning-fast 600m loop. Expect a high-energy, "short-track" atmosphere near the riverside trails.

2. SATURDAY (May 30): The TBD Crit
📍 Waterworks Park Back Loop
We are bringing back a classic Des Moines venue for 2026.

3. SUNDAY (May 31): Rip the Aves & Iowa State Championships
📍 Ingersoll Avenue
The grand finale. This is the 2026 Iowa State Criterium Championship. Over 40 Iowans will be crowned state champs on the historic Ingersoll corridor.

The Vibe: A massive block party with a DJ, local street food, and the "Espresso Mile" p/b Chain & Spoke.

The Course: A counter-clockwise loop featuring a steady climb up High Street and a screaming-fast descent back onto Ingersoll.

🌭 How to Spectate Like a Pro

It’s Free: No tickets required. Just show up and claim your spot on the sidewalk.

The "Party Corner": Find the corner with the most cowbells and the loudest music. That’s usually where the most exciting (and tactical) moves happen.

Local Flavor: Support the local Ingersoll and East Village businesses. Grab a beer from a nearby taproom or a slice of pizza and watch the race unfold from a patio.

Family Friendly: It’s a giant outdoor festival. Bring the kids, bring a cowbell, and get ready to cheer!

Ready to see who takes the Cup? 🏆 Mark your calendars for May 29–31. Whether you're there for the elite speed or the street party vibes, the Confluence Cup is the place to be.

04/30/2026

The Iowa State Crit Champs take the stage on the final day of the Confluence Cup 🏆

04/29/2026

Day 2: TBD Crit will tackle the back loop of Water Works Park

04/28/2026

It's time to start revealing the posters for the Confluence Cup we commissioned a series of 3 posters that will be available at the Confluence Cup.
Kicking off the line up with MRKT Eliminator!