Breckenridge is the ideal spectator destination for this year's USA Pro Cycling Challenge. You can catch four stages from town. 

The town is just a short drive (or ride) from both the Stage 2 finish at Arapahoe Basin and the Stage 3 start at Copper Mountain. Breckenridge's downtown then hosts the finish line of Stage 4, and the Stage 5 time trial sends riders looping up and around town. This year Breckenridge also hosts the opening stage of the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge Women's race, which will be held on Friday, August 21.

 And if you come to Breck, you won't be alone. Every year fans pack downtown, creating a party atmosphere around the finish line.

The race isn't the only draw. In Breckenridge, you also have a dozen or so lung-busting cycling routes, top-notch craft breweries and tasty mountain eats at your fingertips.

Drink your water, folks.
Flatlanders beware: Breckenridge is up there. The town sits at 9,600 feet, which is high enough to make your head buzz on that morning stroll for coffee, or to make you gasp after climbing a flight of stairs. Do us a favor and drink plenty of water during your stay, as proper hydration is proven to combat altitude sickness. Some doctors recommend drinking 4-5 quarts a day at higher altitudes. 

The Cup of Coffee
Breckenridge has a great collection of breakfast restaurants, and Columbine Café's biscuits and gravy aren't to be missed, nor are the eggs benedict from Blue Moose. If you're looking for a quick snack (and caffeinated pick-me-up) before a ride, we recommend heading to Daylight Donuts on Main Street. Before warned: the line gets long on weekends after 9 a.m.

The Ride
There are numerous road cycling loops and out-and-back routes in Breckenridge, including the climb up and over Hoosier Pass and the scenic 31-mile loop around Dillon Reservoir. For those ambitious cyclists who are looking to tackle a world-class climb, we recommend the ascent of Loveland Pass. The out-and-back round trip is approximately 44 miles.

The peloton climbs halfway up the pass and finishes at Arapahoe Basin ski area on Tuesday, August 18. If you plan to ride the pass that day, we recommend starting by midmorning at the latest. The Colorado Department of Transportation will close the pass to automobile traffic starting at approximately 1:30 p.m., however bicycles will be let up the road. Busses will also ferry spectators from nearby Keystone resort to the finish line. 

Hop on the Breckenridge bike path near the Transportation Center and head north toward Frisco. After six miles, exit the path and take a right onto Swan Mountain Road. The road climbs above the lake and gives you great views of the Front Range.

Swan Mountain Road eventually ends at U.S. Hwy 6, where you take a right and start up the pass. Bring an easy gear ratio and plenty of food and water. The full climb soars up 3,000 vertical feet and 10 miles in length. We recommend continuing past Arapahoe Basin to the summit, which is another four miles up the road. At 11,990 feet, it's one of the most scenic road summits in the state.

Top riders can complete the climb from Keystone to the summit in 40 minutes. If you break an hour, you've earned your afternoon pizza and beer.

The Lunch
If you're in town on race day, we recommend checking out Fatty's Pizzeria on South Ridge Road, just west of Main Street. Fatty's is hosting a race viewing party for Stage 5. If you're looking to entertain the kiddos, head over to Downstairs at Eric's on Main Street for lunch. The downstairs bar/restaurant is lined by a dozen or so arcade games, as well as ski ball and mini hoops.

The Splash Think riding uphill is hard? Try riding over water! Every year Breckenridge organizes a Pond Crossing challenge at the Dredge Pond, and this year it will be held during Stage 5 (August 21) from 1-2 p.m. Cyclists take turns trying to ride across a thin wooden plan floating in the pond. Most of them wind up crashing into the water, creating dozens of blooper-reel moments. Bring your camera and your sense of humor - we guarantee laughs.

The Cheer Zone
Looking to take in the race on Stages 4 and 5? It's never a bad idea to head downtown and watch the riders finish. But if you want to get close to the action, we recommend walking up Moonstone Road. The riders climb Moonstone Road near the end of Stage 4, and then again on Stage 5. They will be hurting and in need of encouragement on both days.