Save the date in August for the 5th year of the USA Pro Challenge
It's been five years and the race is going strong. Today the exact route was announced for the seven day stage race in Colorado.
Now we know where the KOMs will be, where the finish lines will be placed, and which cities the race will pass through. No big surprises since the Host Cities for 2015 USA Pro Challenge were announced last December, we could guess where the route would go. Yet seeing the official maps in print is exciting, routes maps sort of make a race official.
Below are the 2015 route maps and profile maps to the men's race. The women route maps have yet to be announced, although the Host Cities are known for both the men's and women's races.
Read more about the race at Pedal Dancer® Guide Page: USA Pro Challenge. Or view my guides to each stage of the race.
STAGES AND HOST CITIES FOR 2015 MEN'S USA PRO CHALLENGE IN COLORADO - MENS RACE
BEST PLACE TO SEE THE USA PRO CHALLENGE IN 2015
Where will you see the race?
I highly recommend going to Steamboat Springs the weekend before the race starts to be part of the pre race excitement, see the team presentation (usually on Saturday) and ride on the roads with the pros as they train on Saturday and Sunday (August 15th and 16th). If you stay for a long weekend, you will get to see the entirety of Stage 1 and the start of Stage 2 in Steamboat Springs on Monday, August 17th and Tuesday, August 18th.
As you might know, I have chased pro races for 15-years on this continent and in Europe and without a doubt my favorite part is showing up three days prior to the start of a big stage race. It is the time when I can freely talk to the mechanics, check out the bikes, see the team presentation, meet other fans, enjoy a lazy meal with a lazier beer and people watch galore. I see old friends and meet new ones who are as excited as I am to be at the race. The best part is pumping up the tires and riding on the same roads with the pros; giving a wave to my favorite pro riders while we are all on bikes. Don't miss this experience, it is truly priceless.
If you are able to sneak away from work for half a day on Tuesday, August 18th - go to Arapahoe Basin for a new experience, the USA Pro Challenge has never before visited this area of Summit County, Colorado. The next day the race starts in Copper Mountain - another first - and sure to attract the locals.The Village of Copper Mountain knows how to host a special event.
This year the peloton climbs Independence Pass twice (August 19th and 20th). By the second pass, we should know who holds the GC. If you like wearing costumes and having fun at 12,095 feet - this will be the place for you. Of course, you need to ride your bike to the top (a highly recommended bike ride) or if you must - use a car to carry up your numerous banners and flags. Aspen always has great event atmosphere combined with natural beauty and is a fun place to visit (although they host the race mid-week this year).
I also recommend staying over in Breckenridge if possible to see the finish of Stage 4 on Thursday, August 20th, and the women's and men's Stage 5 Individual Time Trial on Friday, August 21st.
Both Loveland and Fort Collins always organize plenty of street activities with overflowing restaurants full of fans out to enjoy the day and watch a little bike racing. This year the start of Stage 6 is in Loveland and the finish in Fort Collins. I was thrilled to hear these cities were awarded Stage 6.
For the final day - Stage 7 - ride up Lookout Mountain, or go anywhere on the course between Golden and Denver to enjoy the time with friends or family at a restaurant patio or standing on a curb downtown; the final day will be about atmosphere and celebrating the overall race leader. On the other hand, Denver does traditionally have the best VIP tents!
Pedal Dancer® posts about the race in 2015:
MENS 2015 ROUTE MAPS OF USA PRO CHALLENGE
STAGE 1 - Steamboat Spring maps
Monday, August 17, 2015
97 Miles / 156 Kilometers
Circuit Race
Sprint: Steamboat Springs downtown
KOM: Midpoint on Hwy 27 (Lap 1 & 2)
STAGE 2 - Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin maps
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
103 Miles / 165 Kilometers
Sprint: Kremling and Dillon
KOM: Rabbit Ears Pass, Ute Passm and final climb of Arapahoe Basin
STAGE 3 - Copper Mountain to Aspen maps
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Copper Mountain to Aspen
101 Mile / 163 Kolimeters
Max Elevation: 12,095ft
Sprint: Leadville
KOM: Fremont Pass, Independence Pass
STAGE 4 - Aspen to Breckenridge maps
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Aspen to Breckenridge
126 Miles / 203 Kilometers
Max Elevation: 12,095ft
Sprint: Buena Vista, Fairplay
KOM: Independence Pass, Hoosier Pass, Moonstone
STAGE 5 - Breckenridge ITT maps
Friday, August 21, 2015
Breckenridge Individual Time Trial
8.5 Miles / 14 Kilometers
Max Elevation: 10,088ft
No Sprint or KOM points
STAGE 6 - Loveland to Fort Collins maps
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Loveland to Fort Collins
102 Miles/ 165 Kilometers
Sprint: Windsor, Loveland downtown
KOM: Rist Canyon
STAGE 7 - Golden to Denver maps - final stage
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Golden to dowtown Denver
68 Miles ? 110 Kilometers
Sprint: Finish Line
KOM: Lookout Mountain
WOMENS 2015 ROUTE MAPS OF USA PRO CHALLENGE
Stages and Host Cities for the 2015 WOMEN'S USA PRO CHALLENGE
STAGE 1 - Breckenridge Individual Time Trial - WOMENS
Friday, August 21, 2015
8.5 Miles / 14 Kilometers
Individual Time Trial
Sprint: none
KOM: none
STAGE 2 - Loveland to Fort Collins - WOMENS
Saturday, August 22, 2015
58 Miles / 93 Kilometers
Road Race
Sprint: Downtown Loveland
KOM: Rist Canyon
STAGE 3 - Golden - WOMENS
Sunday, August 23, 2015
60 minutes plus 3 laps
Circuit Race (repeated laps, within a set time, the race does not continue to Denver)
Sprint: Downtown Loveland
KOM: Rist Canyon
MORE INFORMATION
Please read more about the race at the Pedal Dancer® Guide Page: USA PRO CHALLENGE
Related Posts:
AT THE RACE
Pedal Dancer® Guide Pages help you have a better vacation in Colorado:
Pack your bags - there is a big bike race in Colorado this August!
What is next:
We the fans are still waiting for news on the teams for 2105. Also the time schedule for each stage and news about road closures. But that shouldn't stop you from scheduling your vacation time, arranging the pet sitter and deciding which bike to bring to Colorado (hint: the one with the tiny cog in the back), and making your transportation and hotel arrangements.
Tips for Accommodations
Here is my tip of the day: if you plan to book a hotel in Steamboat for the long-weekend, use this link to arrange your accommodations - you will find much better deals through this USA Pro Challenge hotel deal in Steamboat Springs 2015, offered through the official Steamboat booking services.
See you there. August 2015.
It's been five years and the race is going strong. Today the exact route was announced for the seven day stage race in Colorado.
Now we know where the KOMs will be, where the finish lines will be placed, and which cities the race will pass through. No big surprises since the Host Cities for 2015 USA Pro Challenge were announced last December, we could guess where the route would go. Yet seeing the official maps in print is exciting, routes maps sort of make a race official.
Below are the 2015 route maps and profile maps to the men's race. The women route maps have yet to be announced, although the Host Cities are known for both the men's and women's races.
Read more about the race at Pedal Dancer® Guide Page: USA Pro Challenge. Or view my guides to each stage of the race.
- How to see Stage 1 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Steamboat
- How to see Stage 2 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Steamboat / ABasin
- How to see Stage 3 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Copper / Aspen
- How to see Stage 4 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Aspen / Breck
- How to see Stage 5 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Breck ITT!
How to see Stage 6 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Loveland / Fort Collins- How to see Stage 7 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Golden / Denver
 |
| Map of 2015 USA Pro Challenge Colorado. 7 Stages 865 Miles 32 Hours of Racing 16 Cities |
STAGES AND HOST CITIES FOR 2015 MEN'S USA PRO CHALLENGE IN COLORADO - MENS RACE
- Stage 1: Monday, Aug. 17 – Steamboat Springs Circuit Race
- Stage 2: Tuesday, Aug. 18 – Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin
- Stage 3: Wednesday, Aug. 19 – Copper Mountain Resort to Aspen
- Stage 4: Thursday, Aug. 20 – Aspen to Breckenridge
- Stage 5: Friday, Aug. 21 – Breckenridge Individual Time Trial
- Stage 6: Saturday, Aug. 22 – Loveland to Fort Collins
- Stage 7: Sunday, Aug. 23 – Golden to Denver
- Stage 1: Friday, August 21 - Breckenridge (Individual Time Trial)
- Stage 2: Saturday, August 22 - Fort Collins
- Stage 3: Sunday, August 23 - Golden (finishes prior to the start of the men's race)
 |
| Remember - head to Steamboat Springs early so you can see and ride next to the teams training in the days before the race start! Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer of team BMC Racing in Aspen 2014. |
BEST PLACE TO SEE THE USA PRO CHALLENGE IN 2015
Where will you see the race?
I highly recommend going to Steamboat Springs the weekend before the race starts to be part of the pre race excitement, see the team presentation (usually on Saturday) and ride on the roads with the pros as they train on Saturday and Sunday (August 15th and 16th). If you stay for a long weekend, you will get to see the entirety of Stage 1 and the start of Stage 2 in Steamboat Springs on Monday, August 17th and Tuesday, August 18th.
As you might know, I have chased pro races for 15-years on this continent and in Europe and without a doubt my favorite part is showing up three days prior to the start of a big stage race. It is the time when I can freely talk to the mechanics, check out the bikes, see the team presentation, meet other fans, enjoy a lazy meal with a lazier beer and people watch galore. I see old friends and meet new ones who are as excited as I am to be at the race. The best part is pumping up the tires and riding on the same roads with the pros; giving a wave to my favorite pro riders while we are all on bikes. Don't miss this experience, it is truly priceless.
If you are able to sneak away from work for half a day on Tuesday, August 18th - go to Arapahoe Basin for a new experience, the USA Pro Challenge has never before visited this area of Summit County, Colorado. The next day the race starts in Copper Mountain - another first - and sure to attract the locals.The Village of Copper Mountain knows how to host a special event.
This year the peloton climbs Independence Pass twice (August 19th and 20th). By the second pass, we should know who holds the GC. If you like wearing costumes and having fun at 12,095 feet - this will be the place for you. Of course, you need to ride your bike to the top (a highly recommended bike ride) or if you must - use a car to carry up your numerous banners and flags. Aspen always has great event atmosphere combined with natural beauty and is a fun place to visit (although they host the race mid-week this year).
I also recommend staying over in Breckenridge if possible to see the finish of Stage 4 on Thursday, August 20th, and the women's and men's Stage 5 Individual Time Trial on Friday, August 21st.
Both Loveland and Fort Collins always organize plenty of street activities with overflowing restaurants full of fans out to enjoy the day and watch a little bike racing. This year the start of Stage 6 is in Loveland and the finish in Fort Collins. I was thrilled to hear these cities were awarded Stage 6.
For the final day - Stage 7 - ride up Lookout Mountain, or go anywhere on the course between Golden and Denver to enjoy the time with friends or family at a restaurant patio or standing on a curb downtown; the final day will be about atmosphere and celebrating the overall race leader. On the other hand, Denver does traditionally have the best VIP tents!
 |
| Fans at the race in Golden, Colorado in 2012. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of PedalDancer® |
- Taylor Phinney's Big Win
- Let's talk about this race - Press Conference
- It's that excitement before a race - Team Presentation
- Traveling to Steamboat Springs, Colorado
- List of pro racers for USA Pro Challenge 2015
- TV coverage for USA Pro Challenge 2015
- USA Pro Challenge 2015 Women's Teams Announced
- Should I buy a VIP ticket to the USA Pro Challenge?
- Which Teams will race in the USA Pro Challenge 2015?
- So you want to tour Colorado on a bicycle? By Pedal Dancer®
- Exact route maps of USA Pro Challenge 2015 Announced By Pedal Dancer®
- Host Cities for 2015 USA Pro Challenge By Pedal Dancer®
MENS 2015 ROUTE MAPS OF USA PRO CHALLENGE
STAGE 1 - Steamboat Spring maps
Monday, August 17, 2015
97 Miles / 156 Kilometers
Circuit Race
Sprint: Steamboat Springs downtown
KOM: Midpoint on Hwy 27 (Lap 1 & 2)
 |
| USA Pro Challenge Stage 1 route map 2015 - Steamboat Springs Circuit |
 |
| Steamboat Springs circuit profile map USa Pro Challenge 2015 |
STAGE 2 - Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin maps
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
103 Miles / 165 Kilometers
Sprint: Kremling and Dillon
KOM: Rabbit Ears Pass, Ute Passm and final climb of Arapahoe Basin
 |
| USA Pro Challenge Stage 2 route map 2015 |
 |
| USA Pro Challenge Stage 2 profile map 2015 (with Ute Pass) |
STAGE 3 - Copper Mountain to Aspen maps
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Copper Mountain to Aspen
101 Mile / 163 Kolimeters
Max Elevation: 12,095ft
Sprint: Leadville
KOM: Fremont Pass, Independence Pass
 |
| USA Pro Challenge Stage 3 route map 2015 - Copper Mountain to Aspen |
 |
| Stage 3 profile map USA Pro Challenge 2015 Colorado |
STAGE 4 - Aspen to Breckenridge maps
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Aspen to Breckenridge
126 Miles / 203 Kilometers
Max Elevation: 12,095ft
Sprint: Buena Vista, Fairplay
KOM: Independence Pass, Hoosier Pass, Moonstone
 |
| USA Pro Challenge Stage 4 route map 2015 - Aspen to Breckenridge |
 |
| Profile map 2015 USA Pro Challenge Stage 4 |
STAGE 5 - Breckenridge ITT maps
Friday, August 21, 2015
Breckenridge Individual Time Trial
8.5 Miles / 14 Kilometers
Max Elevation: 10,088ft
No Sprint or KOM points
 |
| USA Pro Challenge Stage 5 Breckenridge Time Trial 2015 |
 |
| Breckenridge time trial Stage 5 USA Pro Challenge 2015 |
STAGE 6 - Loveland to Fort Collins maps
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Loveland to Fort Collins
102 Miles/ 165 Kilometers
Sprint: Windsor, Loveland downtown
KOM: Rist Canyon
 |
| USA Pro Challenge Stage 6 route map 2015 - Loveland to Fort Collins |
 |
| Profile map Stage 6 Loveland USA Pro Challenge 2015 |
STAGE 7 - Golden to Denver maps - final stage
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Golden to dowtown Denver
68 Miles ? 110 Kilometers
Sprint: Finish Line
KOM: Lookout Mountain
 |
| USA Pro Challenge Stage 7 route maps 2015 - Golden to Denver |
 |
| Profile map Stage 7 Golden USA Pro Challenge 2015 |
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| Map of final circuit in downtown Denver on Stage 7 USA Pro Challenge 2015 |
WOMENS 2015 ROUTE MAPS OF USA PRO CHALLENGE
Stages and Host Cities for the 2015 WOMEN'S USA PRO CHALLENGE
- Stage 1: Friday, August 21 - Breckenridge (Individual Time Trial)
- Stage 2: Saturday, August 22 - Fort Collins
- Stage 3: Sunday, August 23 - Golden (finishes prior to the start of the men's race)
STAGE 1 - Breckenridge Individual Time Trial - WOMENS
Friday, August 21, 2015
8.5 Miles / 14 Kilometers
Individual Time Trial
Sprint: none
KOM: none
 |
| Women's Stage 1 Route 2015 USA pro Challenge |
 |
| Womens Stage 1 Profile 2015 USA Pro Challenge |
STAGE 2 - Loveland to Fort Collins - WOMENS
Saturday, August 22, 2015
58 Miles / 93 Kilometers
Road Race
Sprint: Downtown Loveland
KOM: Rist Canyon
 |
| Stage 2 Women's Route Map 2015 USA Pro Challenge |
 |
| Stage 2 Women's Profile 2015 USA Pro Challenge |
STAGE 3 - Golden - WOMENS
Sunday, August 23, 2015
60 minutes plus 3 laps
Circuit Race (repeated laps, within a set time, the race does not continue to Denver)
Sprint: Downtown Loveland
KOM: Rist Canyon
 |
| Golden Women's Circuit Route Map USA Pro Challenge 2015 - route of all laps |
 |
| Golden Women's Circuit Profile USA Pro Challenge 2015 - profile of all laps |
MORE INFORMATION
Please read more about the race at the Pedal Dancer® Guide Page: USA PRO CHALLENGE
Related Posts:
AT THE RACE
Pedal Dancer® Guide Pages help you have a better vacation in Colorado:
- SUMMIT COUNTY CYCLING
- COLORADO CLIMBS
- COLORADO CYCLING
- Recommended Road Bike Rides Near Vail, Colorado
- Recommended Road Bike Rides Near Aspen
- On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge - Golden
- On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge - Aspen
- On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge - Denver
- On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge - Breckenridge
- On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge - Vail
- On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge - Colorado Springs
Pack your bags - there is a big bike race in Colorado this August!
 |
| BMC Racing heading to the start line on the final day of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge in Boulder, Colorado. I am betting they will be back in 2015! Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
We the fans are still waiting for news on the teams for 2105. Also the time schedule for each stage and news about road closures. But that shouldn't stop you from scheduling your vacation time, arranging the pet sitter and deciding which bike to bring to Colorado (hint: the one with the tiny cog in the back), and making your transportation and hotel arrangements.
Tips for Accommodations
Here is my tip of the day: if you plan to book a hotel in Steamboat for the long-weekend, use this link to arrange your accommodations - you will find much better deals through this USA Pro Challenge hotel deal in Steamboat Springs 2015, offered through the official Steamboat booking services.
See you there. August 2015.
