(Reported by Zhou Wei, Integrated Media Reporter of the Cycling Circle) In recent years, "street culture" has emerged as a new cultural phenomenon, with trendy street culture experiencing an unprecedented boom in China. Fixed Gear, skateboarding, BMX, parkour, and street basketball can be seen everywhere.

The rise of the post-90s and post-95s as a new generation of consumers has created a strong connection between fashion trends and youth. For the post-00s, street sports have become a way of life. Different street sports cultures also carry the identities, attitudes, and sense of belonging sought by young people. Street sports culture is no longer expressed as a subculture but is instead blending and developing as part of mainstream culture.

As part of street sports culture, Fixed Gear originated on the streets of New York in the 1970s. A Fixed Gear bike is simpler and more stylish than a regular bicycle. Because its rear cog is fixed, it cannot shift gears or coast, which is why it’s also called "fixed gear" (meaning "fixed gear").Many people used to think Fixed Gear bikes had no brakes, but that’s a misconception. The presence or absence of brakes is not the defining feature of a Fixed Gear; the drivetrain is the sole criterion. So, coaster brakes, which resemble Fixed Gears, were once mistakenly identified as such. A key characteristic of Fixed Gear is the high synchronization between rider and bike—when you stop pedaling, the rear wheel locks up, enabling moves like skidding and riding backward. For the average person, Fixed Gear isn’t “easy” to ride, but for enthusiasts, it’s precisely this challenge that makes it uniquely appealing. High focus, agile handling and coordination, and a strong physique are essential qualities for Fixed Gear riders.

"Hurricane Criterium" is currently the largest Fixed Gear culture group and racing event in China. It was born in Beijing, founded by a near-decade-long Fixed Gear enthusiast who has long been committed to promoting Fixed Gear culture. Since the successful hosting of the "Hurricane Criterium Chengdu Stop" in 2017, it has become an annual highlight in China’s Fixed Gear scene and has rapidly gained fame within the global Fixed Gear cycling community. In January this year, even CHAS CHRISTIANSEN from the renowned MASH cycling team in the Fixed Gear circle visited Beijing to meet Wang Haibo, founder of "Hurricane Criterium." This was Chas’s first trip to China, and he expressed a strong desire to participate in "Hurricane Criterium" races and events, as well as to exchange ideas and ride with Chinese Fixed Gear cyclists.

This year, "Hurricane Criterium" will kick off its season in New York, with the race scheduled for September 15, 2018, New York time. It is reported that the prize for the New York stop champion is two round-trip tickets to the October 6 "Hurricane Criterium Chengdu Stop." American street couriers and Fixed Gear riders have expressed great excitement about this. Wang Haibo, founder of "Hurricane Criterium," noted that although Fixed Gear culture originated in the U.S., it has continuously blended and evolved with China’s unique culture over the past decade since its introduction. As a racing event born in China, "Hurricane Criterium" has its own distinct understanding and character and will engage in more exchanges with international Fixed Gear culture in the future.

Introduction to the "Hurricane Criterium" Series of Events

On November 4, 2017, the "2017 HURRICANE CRITERIUM Fixed Gear Bicycle Criterium Chengdu Stop" concluded successfully. The HURRICANE CRITERIUM Fixed Gear Bicycle Criterium is an independently organized cycling event created by Hurricane Bikes (Beijing) Culture Media Co., Ltd., originating in Beijing and founded by Wang Haibo. The event primarily targets Fixed Gear bicycle enthusiasts.

For this Hurricane event, a 2.5-kilometer closed loop within the Chengdu International Intangible Cultural Heritage Park was chosen for the criterium race. This choice avoided issues such as overly long courses, low participation, poor spectator appeal, excessive use of social resources, and traffic disruption—resulting in a more focused atmosphere, higher entertainment value, lower safety risks, and greater inclusiveness.

The competition spanned two days, with November 3 dedicated to rider check-in, number and timing chip collection, event bag distribution, a technical meeting for participants, and track familiarization.

Start of the race

The official competition began on the afternoon of November 4, consisting of preliminary and final rounds. The combined times of both rounds determined the winner, with the shortest total time taking the top spot.

The preliminaries had no grouping—56 riders started together, with starting positions determined by on-site draw. Each lap was 2.5 kilometers, with six laps totaling 15 kilometers.

Wang Haibo (front row, center), founder of Hurricane Bikes (Beijing) Culture Media Co., Ltd., awards prizes to riders

The finals also featured all 56 riders starting together, with positions based on preliminary results—the faster riders started ahead. Each lap was 2.5 kilometers, with eight laps totaling 20 kilometers. The race was intensely competitive, and the final podium was claimed by Han Xuxiang, Yu Jiabao, and Chen Hao.