Start time: 1:10 pm - Estimated finish: 3:45 pm
For a finale, the Pro Challenge goes back to its roots. This route was the final stage of the first Pro Challenge in 2011 and introduced the world to the cycling crowds on the Front Range.
After a short loop north of Golden the race will tackle its main obstacle of the day, the 4-mile climb of Lookout Mtn. Another quick pass of Golden and the race is screaming through Wheat Ridge and Lakewood en route to downtown Denver. Four laps of the familiar Denver circuit await and Civic Center Park, City Park, and 17th street will be treated to blazing speeds as the last prizes of the week are fought over tooth and nail.
Start Time: 10:30 am - Estimated Finish: 11:30am
The women have tested their time trial legs and their climbing legs, now it’s time to test their elbows in some shoulder to shoulder technical circuit racing served up Colorado style in Golden.
This final stage is no mere promenade or flat four corner coronation for the current leader. With hills, technical corners, and plenty of time bonuses up for grabs on this tight 1.5 mile circuit, the overall winner will have to prove their worthiness for one more day. If they survive this circuit they will truly be a worthy winner of the first-ever Women’s USA Pro Challenge and will have proved their skill in all disciplines of the sport.
Start time: 11:45 am - Estimated finish: 3:45 pm
The start and finish location of Stage 6 may be familiar, but what lies between the two is new and challenging.
The early flats and sprints in Windsor and Loveland hide the wicked side of the route that waits in the second half. It may not have the grand names or the huge elevation numbers, but the lower and smaller climbs of this stage still have a serious sting. Climbing the north side of Carter Lake and then onto Rist Canyon should get everyone's attention. It may also present one of the last chances for overall contenders to make a move. Wrapping up with the jagged rollers of Horsetooth Reservoir before bombing into Ft. Collins, this stage proves that a race doesn't need to reach 12,000' to be epic.
Start time: 11:35am - Estimated finish time: 2:45pm
A gentle roll-out through Loveland will let the women riders settle in before this day of racing turns extremely competitive. Once west of Loveland things tilt up and keep climbing for nearly 20 miles as everyone tests their legs on the climb of Buckhorn Canyon. But if the climbers want to win this day they will need to hold off a charging field as the stage furiously descends Rist Canyon and the 18 miles back into Fort Collins. Can the climbers hold off the sprinters or will Fort Collins be treated to a mass field sprint by some of the fastest women in the U.S.?
FREE concert with Los Lobos at the Riverwalk Center!
Completely new for 2015, the Breckenridge Time Trial will test all of a rider’s skills and will produce a truly worthy winner.
The 8.5 mile time trial starts out flat for the pure time trialists. Then it’s back onto the climb up Moonstone road, still fresh in the pain file from the day before, for a test of climbing skills. Finally, the race could be won or lost going downhill this day, as racers will push the limits on the Boreas Pass descent to shave seconds off their time. Whoever wins will certainly be a racer who can hammer the flats, dance up the climbs, and carve down the descents.
Pond Crossing at Dredge Pond!
Start Time: 10:50am - Estimated Finish:12:35pm
Women's racing at the USA Pro Challenge kicks off on the same 2015 time trial course that will be shared with the male riders.
The 8.5 mile time trial starts out flat for the pure time trialists. Then it's back onto the climb up the steep grades of Moonstone road, which the men used the day before, for a test of climbing skills. Finally, the race could be won or lost going downhill this day as racers will push the limits on the Boreas Pass descent to shave seconds off their time. The winner will most definitely be someone who is fierce on the flats and a powerhouse. on the climbs and remain steady on the descents.
Brews and Blues (and Bloody Marys!) in the Festival Village beer garden!
Concert by Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band
Bluegrass by Trout Steak Revival in the Festival Village
The race will take place on Thursday, August 20 at 12:00 p.m., before the Men's Stage 4 Finish.
Children ages 2-5 of any ability levels are invited to participate in this FREE* fun race.
Start time: 10:20 am; Estimated finish: 3:45 pm
This crowd-pleasing stage from 2013 is back for an encore in 2015 as it connects the Pro Challenge’s two most visited towns; Aspen and Breckenridge.
Starting off with 20 miles of climbing up Independence Pass is a rude wake up call, but that is just the beginning. The racers still have the climbs of Trout Creek Pass and Hoosier Pass to conquer, while sprints in Buena Vista and Fairplay dot the route to Breckenridge. Once in town one final obstacle stands between the riders and victory, the wall up Moonstone road and the drop down Boreas Pass to the finish line where the always boisterous crowds of Breckenridge await.
Start time: 11:15 am; Approximate finish: 2:56-4:24 pm
Another new twist on an old favorite, but this time it is the opening that changes. Copper Mountain plays host to its first ever Pro Challenge stage and sends off Stage 3 in style. While familiar terrain and faces await the race on Independence Pass and Aspen.
No rest for the weary this day as the climbing starts right away with the ascent of Freemont Pass. Then onto the gorgeous shores of Turquoise Lake and a quick sprint through Leadville. But that is just the appetizer, the main course awaits on the upper slopes of Independence Pass and then down its breathtaking descent into Aspen where some of the most memorable moments in Pro Challenge history have played out.
PS- Over half of Stage 3 race mileage takes place above 10,000’. Bring your lungs.
Free Concert featuring the Freddy Jones band and special guest!
FREE! Kids 12 and under are split by age for a fun bike race that finishes right where the pros will! Older kids will start at the lower gate of the Early Riser lot and finish right in the High Noon lot with the same finish line as the professional cyclists. Kids 5 and under have their own special timed race with a shorter distance and the same finish. Awards for all! Helmets are required.
Start time: 10:55 am; Approximate finish: 3:04-4:44 pm
As the Pro Challenge says goodbye to its overall start host, Steamboat Springs, it welcomes a new member to the family with the race’s first visit to Arapahoe Basin and Loveland Pass.
Leaving Steamboat Springs there is little time to settle in before the racers have to tackle Rabbit Ears Pass. From there, this familiar route heads south through Kremmling, over Ute Pass, and continues through Silverthorne and Dillon. Unlike years past, the 2015 Pro Challenge will then turn east and suffer 5 miles up Loveland Pass to Arapahoe Basin. Look for jerseys to change hands, dreams fulfilled, and expectations dashed on this new mountain top finish.
Start time: 11:40 am; Approximate finish: 3:13-4:38 pm
After a brief venture onto the rolling roads of Routt County in 2013, the USA Pro Challenge knew it had to get back there for a classic circuit race. The quiet roads offer straights, twists, and a few rather steep surprises. Match that with fan favorite host city Steamboat Springs, and you have the makings of a great opening stage.
This 49-mile circuit will be completed twice by the peloton creating great spectator opportunities both in Steamboat Springs and on route locations like the Rt. 27 KOM climb and the town of Oak Creek. Will Steamboat Springs be treated to another classic sprint finish or will the challenges of Routt County create an opportunity for a surprise first yellow jersey of 2015? Either way, the fans of Steamboat Springs will be treated to quite a show.
Free Concert featuring the Jeff Austin Band.
Ride in Steamboat, finish under the Pro Challenge truss, and enjoy the festivities at the USA Pro Challenge opening weekend!
Join the USA Pro Challenge on August 15th for Go Ride Steamboat presented by UnitedHealthcare!
Open to all ages, Go Ride Steamboat will begin and end in Steamboat Springs, the opening weekend Host City for the 2015 USA Pro Challenge, where participants can then choose to ride one of two distances – 25 or 52 miles of mountainous roads.
This week long all arts festival event is anchored by the Yampa Rive Art Stroll, a juried display of art vendors on Yampa Street in Downtown.
Celebrate the upcoming USA Pro Cycling Challenge stage race with a fun, family-friendly poker ride at the Town of Dillon Party!
This non-competitive, fun and family friendly poker ride starts out at Marina Park with routes looping through town, out to the Dillon Nature Preserve and back or over Swan Mountain. There is no timed element to this ride - the best poker hand on each route wins prizes! LEARN MORE
Additional details about the community ride coming soon!
Cyclist will start and finish at Burning Stones Plaza in central Copper Mountain Resort, Colorado. Amply stocked aid/rest stations will be positioned throughout the course. Upon returning from your ride, participants will be greeted by the "Alpine Celebration". The post-ride party, with music, a first – class lunch, prize drawings and cycling expo will continue throughout the afternoon.
For more information, visit coppertriangle.com.
Join us in celebrating a Summer of Cycling AND the 30th Anniversary of the classic, American Flyers.
All proceeds will be donated directly to Bicycle Colorado.
Sponsored in part by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Denver, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and USA Pro Challenge.
There will be a pre-film presentation of "Behind the Race Scenes" in AMERICAN FLYERS, hosted by Scott Christopher, Development Director of Bicycle Colorado and cycling extra in the movie.
Copper will host a Community Ride utilizing the bike path between Copper and Frisco!
Riders will participate in a “Poker Ride” which will begin and end at Copper. Participants will be directed to (4) businesses at Copper and Whole Foods to collect playing cards. The “best” hand(s) will receive prizes.
For a full schedule of the day, please click here.
The Northern Colorado Community ride will gather at the City Streets Department in Fort Collins (southwest corner of Vine and Lemay), which is also host to our Tuesday Night Criterium Races.
From there, riders have the option of a short and leisurely tour of scenic county roads north of Fort Collins, or a more challenging ride that incorporates a few of the final climbs in both the 2013 and 2015 NoCo stages.
Meet at The Aspen Club & Spa for a 35 mile round trip up Castle Creek Road. Food and Raffle to follow ride!
Presented by the City of Steamboat Springs. As a part of the upcoming USA Pro Challenge, the promoters of the race are hosting a FREE community ride. All finishers of the ride will receive one entry into a raffle to win two (2) VIP passes to the Finish of Stage 1 taking place in Steamboat. The ride will have two routes, 21- and 47-miles. The event is free and will have minimal support. All participants will be required to sign a waiver and need to check in and out in order to be considered for the raffle.
This is not a timed event.
Questions call Scott Myller at 970.846.1700 or email smyller@steamboatsprings.net.
When: Saturday, June 27; 9 to 9:45 a.m. check-in; 10 a.m. ride starts
Where: Little Toots Park
It's never too early for some cowbell! Join us before your morning commute at Civic Center Park for some swag and info for this this year's race. Most of the country celebrates Bike to Work Day in May, but due to Colorado’s mountain communities and unpredictable weather, the state legislature declared June as Colorado Bike Month, with the fourth Wednesday of the month being Bike to Work Day.
For additional information, visit biketoworkday.us.
411 S Main St #12, Breckenridge, CO
(970) 393-9000
The Breckenridge Community Ride will start at Breck Bike Guides' Main Street location, where riders can then select one of two rides - The Short Ride (1 hour) or the Long Ride (2-3 hours).
All participants in the ride will be entered to win 2 VIP Passes to the Breckenridge Time Trial.
This year's ride will take place over seven days, June 13 through June 20. Cyclists will ride 465 miles and ascend 40,537 vertical feet through Mesa, Delta, Montrose, Gunnison, Chaffee, Fremont and Custer counties.
For more information, visit ridetherockies.com.
The USA Pro Challenge, in partnership with Aspen Silver Cycling will be staging the Aspen Gran Fondo, a 50 mile group ride. The route will have something for everyone with its steep climbs and rolling hills, flat sections and gorgeous scenery.
For additional information, visit aspencreation.com.
Whether you are riding or just watching the fun, come explore the active expo area where you’ll learn more about the sport of cycling from industry leaders like Specialized, Shimano, ShaverSport, Rudy Project, SOS Socks, Clif Bar, Feedback Stands, and REI to name just a few. Enjoy an awesome, healthy lunch included in your registration fee. Sample products, mingle with friends and listen to rockin’ tunes pumped out by KBCO.
For more information, visit elephantrockride.com.
If your legs and lungs are ready for this Summer of Cycling, please join Wilderness Sports and some of A-Basin’s own cycling enthusiasts for a Community Ride. This non-competitive ride starts at Wilderness Sports in Dillon and finishes at Arapahoe Basin just in time to listen to Funkiphino, grab some food and a beverage (or two) from Sierra Nevada, and put your name in for a chance to win an official 2015 USA Pro Challenge bike jersey.
For more information, visit arapahoebaasin.com.
The Primal Colorado Bike Expo is the kick off to the cycling season; a celebration of bikes and community! In its inaugural year the expo will bring together all things cycling and Colorado; pairing industry professionals, recreational riders, cycling enthusiasts, hardcore roadies and utilitarians with the latest products, consumer trends, clearance deals, organized rides, bicycling clubs, advocacy groups and cycling destinations.
For additional information, visit bikestate38.com/expo.