Your Guide to the Aksarben Tirc Criterium: Omaha’s New Fast-Paced Bike Race

Shift into high gear with these facts about what to expect at the Aksarben Tirc.

• The name “Aksarben Tirc” is a play off how Aksarben is Nebraska spelled backwards – now so is “Crit.”
• The Aksarben Tirc is the 8th event on a 9-event national series produced by USA Crits.
• High-speed laps: Racers will do multiple laps around a short circuit reaching speeds up to 40 mph.
• Top talent: See elite cyclists from across the United States – and abroad.
• As many as 500 cyclists are expected to race in the Aksarben Tirc.
  • Races are broken up into categories based on skill and experience, from amateur to elite and pro levels.
• Spectators can watch for free and can expect to see riders pass by multiple times.
• Racers compete within a time frame from 40 minutes to 75 minutes, depending on the race category.
• Tactics and technical skills are critical because of the frequent turns and tight packs.
• Aksarben has deep racing roots. Long before it became a hub for concerts, college students and coffee runs, Aksarben was home to one of the region’s most famous horse racing tracks and drew crowds for nearly a century.
• The Aksarben Tirc features a 180-degree turn.
  • To handle a 180-degree turn in a crit, riders need to brake early, take a wide-smooth-tight line, keep their eyes on the exit, lean the bike (not the body) and accelerate hard out of the corner.

Get to know a couple of faces behind the helmets.

The Bendigo Bullet: Peta Mullens, @petamullens on Instagram
Hometown: Bendigo, VIC, Australia (based in Brevard, North Carolina)
Club: Liv Tango Racing
Race Count: Around 1,000 race days

With 13 national titles – including 2015 Road Champ – Peta Mullens brings #bigcritenergy (her unofficial race motto) to every course. She thrives on speed, chaos and the electricity of racing under the lights. On a road course, she tops out around 60 mph; in a crit, up to 40 mph. Her pre-race musts? A power braid and a fake tan. Post-race, you’ll likely find her curbside in her kit, tacos in hand, cheering on the men’s pro field. She’s especially hyped for Omaha’s tight 180-degree corner – the only one she’ll hit in a crit all year. Off the course, she’ll take recovery rides on Omaha bike paths or stroll Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.

The Levitator: Robb Hiatt, @ro2b1 on Instagram
Hometown: Lincoln, NE
Club: Underwood Cycling Club
Race Count: Dozens and counting

Robb Hiatt loves the adrenaline of high-speed corners and the strategic dance of tight packs. One of his proudest race achievements was earning second place in the Tuesday Night Worlds expert crit series. Rob skips the pre-race hype music but admits that, thanks to his kids, he once raced with the Kidz Bop version of “Levitating” looping in his head. His pre-race ritual is simple and practical: He pins his race number as flat as possible for max aerodynamics. As a bike industry pro, he knows folks might have superstitions. His take? If someone believes a gadget or sticker will make them faster, then they’re probably right. Catch him at the Aksarben Tirc, which has tight turns that will make for great spectating. If you see him at the finish line, treat him to an ice-cold beer – his favorite post-race treat.

The Florida Flyer: Jason Engle
Hometown: Naples, Florida
Team: Waldo Racing Team (USAC Domestic Elite Team)

Jason Engle is part of the newly minted Waldo Racing Team, a grassroots Domestic Elite squad out of Naples, Florida that’s making its national debut right here in Omaha. Waldo Racing was built around powerhouse teammate Justin Bolde (@mr._wattzon) – the current USA National Criterium Champion (35–39).

Engle and the team look forward to representing Southwest Florida cycling – and bringing high-speed excitement to Omaha. Crit racing’s closed circuits make it uniquely fan friendly, and the Aksarben Tirc is technical and fast, the kind of course that’s thrilling to watch. Omaha being part of USA Crit National Series is a big deal, Engle says, and will bring top-tier talent, intense racing and an electric atmosphere to Aksarben Village.

The Aksarben Tirc has some “wheely” fun stuff for the littles.

• Mini Crit for Kids: Bring the kids’ bikes and watch them race the course. (Registration and helmets required, ages 5-14.)
• Children’s Activities in Stinson Park: Kids can learn new bike skills, get fitted for a bike, test their power and speed on a stationary bike, take on an obstacle course or just enjoy meeting new friends on the playground.
• Watch the Race: Kids will thrill at the high-octane action.
• Grab a Bite. Family-friendly options include R.U.B. – Rotisserie Urban Bistro, Pauli’s and DJ’s Dugout.

Come for the speed, stay for the scene. Enjoy live patio music, cocktails and plenty of food just steps from the criterium course in Aksarben Village.

On Sundays May 4 through Oct. 12 from 9am to 1pm, catch the Omaha Farmers Market, which features more than 120 growers, chefs and artists.

To discover a variety of flavors in one spot, head to Inner Rail Food Hall – a nod to the area's racetrack roots – which offers diverse vendors and indoor and outdoor seating.

Craving spice? Check out Saffron Urban Kitchen, Mai Thai or Voodoo Taco. For dim sum lovers, New Gold Mountain delivers; sushi can be found at Ponzu Sushi and Grill. Herbe Sainte brings Cajun flavors and standout cocktails. Beacon Hills serves elevated comfort food. Backlot Taphouse has Detroit-style pizza. ROAST is a light-drenched space with strong caffeine brews, rich desserts and committed regulars.

From pedal-powered thrills to patio hangs, the Aksarben Tirc is a new way to experience summer in Omaha. To discover even more exciting spring events in Omaha, click here.