Upon entering Bill Armstrong Stadium under the lights, the energy was undeniable. Indiana University’s Little 500 supporters showed up loud and proud for qualifications on Saturday, undeterred by the 8 a.m. wake-up call.
This year's field was the largest in the history of the women's race, with 36 teams competing for 33 qualifying spots, adding a bit more pressure to a day filled with nerves for riders who train all year.
Sororities and fraternities cycled through the stands throughout the day, cheering on their teams as they took their turn on the track, bringing waves of energy to each qualifying run.
To qualify for the Little 500 race this April, each team had to complete four quarter-mile laps, with each rider taking one lap before passing the bike to a teammate.
Smooth bike exchanges are crucial, as they must take place within the designated exchange zone near the start and finish line. If a team fails to execute a clean exchange —, by falling off the bike or not completing it within the zone — they get another chance, with a maximum of three attempts allowed.
However, if a team faults all three times, they are disqualified from the competition.
Top teams executed swift, seamless bike turnovers, a skill teams honed over spring break.
One team that understood the pressure of the moment was Delta Gamma. As one of the most dominant teams in the history of the women’s Little 500, Delta Gamma has long been a powerhouse on the track.
With four Little 500 victories (2008, 2012, 2013 and 2021) and a remarkable 26 top-10 finishes in 32 races, they have built a legacy of consistency and success.
That experience showed on Saturday. Delta Gamma seized the top spot on the women’s leaderboard early, as the their sorority sisters wearing pink and blue lined the stands, cheering on the four riders as they darted around the track.
Their first attempt was halted by a yellow flag due to a failed bike exchange, forcing them to restart their qualification run. Despite the setback, they rebounded to deliver the day's fastest time, blazing through with an impressive 2:44.207 finish.
Other top women’s teams included Novus with a time of 02:43.778, Kappa Alpha Theta at 02:44.7 and Melanzana Cycling at 02:45.530.
Not all teams made the cut. Theta Phi Alpha finished with a time of 03:14.0, Alpha Epsilon Phi clocked in at 03:16.1 and Alpha Phi completed their run in 03:25.030, resulting in their disqualification.
With qualifications complete, Delta Gamma will look to add another title to their storied history when the green flag drops on race day.
The excitement and anticipation for the big race day is growing. It starts with Individual Time Trials for the women’s teams 6 -10 p.m. April 2.
The Miss N Out event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 5. Teams compete in the Team Pursuit from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 13. The Little 500 events culminate with the 37th running of the Women’s Little 500 at 4 p.m. April 25 at Bill Armstrong Stadium.
Final qualifications results:
- Delta Gamma – 02:43.166
- Novus (W) – 02:43.778
- Kappa Alpha Theta – 02:44.700
- Melanzana Cycling – 02:45.530
- Kappa Delta – 02:45.847
- Alpha Chi Omega – 02:45.952
- Sigma Kappa – 02:48.392
- Kappa Kappa Gamma – 02:51.378
- WSR – 02:51.911
- RideOn Cycling – 02:52.436
- Teter – 02:52.510
- Alpha Delta Pi – 02:54.089
- SKI – 02:56.873
- Gamma Phi Beta – 02:57.570
- Chi Alpha – 02:58.285
- Delta Zeta – 03:00.203
- Phi Mu – 03:01.336
- Mezcla – 03:01.896
- CHAARG – 03:02.846
- Phi Gamma Nu – 03:03.784
- Alpha Gamma Delta – 03:03.921
- Chi Omega – 03:04.341
- Pi Beta Phi – 03:05.539
- Bison – 03:05.913
- Alpha Fasta Bika – 03:06.932
- Collins – 03:07.002
- Alpha Omicron Pi – 03:09.175
- Zeta Tau Alpha – 03:09.784
- CSF – 03:10.700
- Godspeed – 03:11.430
- Alpha Xi Delta – 03:12.665
- Sigma Delta Tau – 03:12.960
- Delta Phi Epsilon – 03:12.980
