06 August 2015

How to see Stage 1 of USA Pro Challenge 2015

MONDAY, August 17, STAGE 1 - Steamboat Springs circuit race

What is the best way to see Stage 1 of the 2015 USA Pro Challenge as a fan? Whether this is your fifth year of attending this exciting race or you are a totally new fan to the event, this easy one-page guide is intended to help locals and tourists better plan for watching Stage 1 in Steamboat Springs. 

Please note that road closure times and exact finish times sometimes change closer to race day.

Find what you need to know about Stage 1 of the USA Pro Challenge in Steamboat Springs, below in the following order: Stage 1 dates, stage information, start time, finish time, sprint location, KOM location, classification Jerseys, route map, climb profiles, race organization, city tourism, town websites, local events, road closures, VIP tickets, apparel, TV coverage, Tour Tracker app, media coverage, stage preview, recommendations, where to ride, results, current standings and photos.

THE ESSENTIALS
  • August 17th
  • Stage 1 Start time: 11:40 am in Steamboat Springs 
  • 1.5 hours before start, near the team buses and sign-in podium, are great places for pro rider autographs and see the bikes.  
  • Festival hours: 10:30 am - 5:30 pm; Location: Yampa Street
  • LEXUS CLUB VIP Hospitality opens at 10:30 am
  • Road closures in Steamboat: SteamboatProCycling
  • Road closures for every stage: CDOT USA Pro Challenge
  • Stage Schedule / Log Stage 1: Expected time along the course 
  • Stage 1 Finish time: approximate 3:13 - 4:38 pm
  • Podium Presentation, at the stage, typically 15 to 20 minutes after leaders of the stage finish 
  • Twitter: @USAProChallenge
  • TV: Universal Sports Network - Live at 2:00 pm; Repeat at 7:00 pm MDT 
  • Tour Tracker app: tourtracker.usaprocyclingchallenge.com
  • The Race in Steamboat Springs: steamboatprocycling.com 
  • Look for very fast sprint finish, and a sprinter to be in yellow. 
Map of 2015 USA Pro Challenge Colorado
Map of 2015 USA Pro Challenge Colorado
The final sprint to the line in 2011. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
THE RACE

STAGE 1 - Steamboat Springs
Monday, August 17, STAGE 1 - 2 lap circuit

Race Preview - Stage 1 USA Pro Challenge 2015:

Expect a very fast sprint into town after the first lap, when contenders for the green sprint jersey will race for sprint points before beginning the second lap. The final sprint to the line will be even faster than the first and will crown the overall leader on day 1 (yellow jersey) and most likely the sprint leader (green jersey) to the same man. The mountain jersey will probably be awarded to a breakaway climber, and the best young rider jersey will be awarded to the fastest finisher under age 25. A special dark blue Colorado jersey will be given to the fastest racer overall native to Colorado (highest overall Coloradan on GC).

THE TEAMS & RIDERS

Read much more about the teams selected in this Pedal Dancer® post: Which Teams will race in the USA Pro Challenge 2015? Official startlist of riders has not yet been announced by race organizers.

THE ROUTE
  • 97 Miles / 156 Kilometers / 6,518 ft of climbing
  • Highlights: 2 laps on a large circuit 
  • Stage 1 Route Map pdf
  • Stage 1 Climb Profle pdf
  • Zoom in Maps
  • Sprint points: Steamboat Springs downtown 
  • KOM points: Midpoint on Hwy 27 (Lap 1 & 2) 
  • Stage Schedule / Log Stage 1: Expected time along the course
USA Pro Challenge Stage 1 route map 2015
USA Pro Challenge Stage 1 route map 2015 - Steamboat Springs Circuit
Steamboat Springs circuit profile map USa Pro Challenge 2015
Steamboat Springs circuit profile map USA Pro Challenge 2015
Location of Stage 1 and Stage 2 in Steamboat.  Zoom in on Map
THE ORGANIZATION

Race website: USAProCyclingChallenge.com
Twitter: @USAProChallenge
Facebook: USAProChallenge
Sponsors: Founding and Official Race Partners
Stage 1 jersey - 2015 Buy

THE PLACE
  • Town moto: Ski Town, U.S.A.® is also Bike Town U.S.A!
  • Location of Stage 2: Downtown Steamboat Springs
  • Stages in Steamboat Springs: Stages 1 (August 17th) and Stage 2 (August 18th)
  • The Race in Steamboat Springs: steamboatprocycling.com
  • Steamboat Pro Cycling Facebook: facebook.com/SteamboatProCycling 
  • Town websites: steamboatsprings.net
  • Steamboat Springs Chamber of Commerce: steamboatchamber.com 
  • Camping: steamboatchamber.com/events-activities/activities/camping
  • Accommodations deal 4 nights for 3: Steamboat USA Pro Cycling Challenge package

Photos from previous years:

See some fantastic photos of the USA Pro Challenge in Steamboat in 2011 on Steephill.TV by Brian Hodes of VeloImages. Revisit the race arriving in Steamboat in 2013 on Stage 3 VeloImages, and departing Steamboat in 2013 during Stage 4 VeloImages.


THE FUN

Calendar of Events in Steamboat Springs: August 2015
SimplySteamboat.com Hiking Trails in the Heart of Steamboat Springs!

Events of Stage1:

FRIDAY
  • August 14 -7:30-10:00 pm, Steamboat Pro Rodeo Friday and Saturday nights. Brent Romick Arena, Steamboat. Tickets
SATURDAY
  • August 15 - Morning, GoRide, Citizen bike event, 25 & 50 miles, Steamboat Resort - Gondola Plaza. Register. 
  • August 15 - 7:00 am, Steamboat Stinger, (2 day) Mtn bike race + trail run, Emerald Mountain. Info
  • August 15 - 9:00-10:00 am Yoga on the Green, Yampa River Botanic Park, 1000 Pamela Lane
  • August 15 - 9:00-2:00 pm Farmers Market, 7th and Yampa
  • August 15 - 9:00-4:00 pm Yampa Art Stroll, Yampa Street & Little Toots Park
  • August 15 - 10:00 am Lions Club Parade, Downtown Hayden (west of Steamboat)
  • August 15 - 5:00-7:00 pm *Team Presentation and Opening Ceremony*, Howelson Hill Ski Area on Howelson Parkway. 
  • August 15 - 7:30-10:00 pm, Steamboat Pro Rodeo Friday and Saturday nights. Brent Romick Arena, Steamboat. Tickets
  • August 15 - 7:30 pm Free Concert, Howelson Hill Ski Area on Howelson Parkway.  
  • August 15 - 8:16 pm Movies on the Mountain, Ghostbusters, Base of Steamboat Ski Area in Gondola Square
SUNDAY
  • August 15 - 8:30 pm Barn Dance at the Routt County Fair in Hayden (west of Steamboat), info.
  • August 16 - 7:00 am Steamboat Stinger, (2 day) Mtn bike race + trail run, Emerald Mountain. Info
  • August 16 - 12:00-6:00 pm Opening Weekend Festival of Vendors, Yampa Street 
MONDAY
  • August 17 - 8:00 am Moots factory tour at 2545 Copper Ridge Drive, Steamboat Springs 
  • August 17 - 9:30 am sharp RAPHA/MOOTS group ride to the KOM on course; about 20 miles. Ride will cover some dirt roads to reach the KOM. Come prepared with food & water for the day on the KOM.  Once the race passes for the 2nd time on the KOM we will ride back to town for the finish and Orange Peel/Moots social at Orange Peel. More info
  • August 17 - 10:00-5:00 BMC Steamboat Fan Zone at  Orange Peel Bicycles on 1136 Yampa St.: prizes and swag (located just off the course).
  • August 17 - 10:30-5:30 pm Stage 1 Start Festival of Vendors, Yampa Street
  • August 17 - 11:30 am Stage 1 Start; 
  • August 17 - 3:13-4:38 pm Stage 1 Finish; Podium Presentation after
  • August 17 - 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Orange Peel + Moots evening social at Orange Peel Bicycle Service 1136 Yampa Ave. 
TUESDAY
  • August 18 - 9:00 am sharp Moots group ride from Moots World HQ to the west summit of Rabbit Ears Pass. More info
  • August 18 - 10:45 am Stage 2 Start (Finish at Arapahoe Basin)
Waiting for the big finish in downtown Steamboat Springs in 2-11. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
THE ROADS

Local City roads and State Highways Impacted by Stage 1: CDOT detailed road closures all directions and exact times for USA Pro Challenge in Steamboat Springs and Oak Creek. (select by stage tab at the left)
Overall Start (Stage 1) – Road Closures downtown Steamboat Springs, circuit Race.
Sat. Aug. 15 – 5am : 6th street Lincoln to Oak; Yampa 5th-11th (alley is open); 6th – 9th streets from Yampa to Lincoln
Sun. Aug. 16 – 5am: Lincoln 5th-11th (5th open to cross traffic only)
Mon. Aug. 17 – 7:00am: Lincoln 3rd-11th (3rd,5th,11th open)
Mon. Aug. 17 – 9:00am: 5th from Oak to Howelsen Hill Pkwy.
Mon. Aug. 17 – 11:00am: Traffic hold (race starts 11:40am)
(Periodic traffic holds up to 60 minutes as circuit loops through town and for finish)
Tues.. Aug. 18 – 1am: All Roads cleared and open

Steamboat Springs Street Closures for USA Pro Challenge, August 15th-18th, see: SteamboatProCycling

VIP tent in Steamboat Springs. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
THE SPECTATOR
  • VIP buy tickets
  • Volunteer sign-up
  • Visit the Host Cities   
  • See the route Maps & Profiles
  • Community Events Rides, Art, Movies and Concerts
  • Shop for apparel Buy Tshirts and memorabilia or find the merchandise trailer on race day
  • Citizen's 25 & 50 mile organized ride in Steamboat Go Ride
  • Read the blog Cyclesense 365
  • Read recent Press Releases
Best places to watch Stage 1 
  • Downtown Steamboat Springs (start, sprint points, finish)
  • On the short climb before the town of Oak Creek 
Let's talk VIP tickets.

Yes I would recommend buying VIP tickets at the finish of Stage 1 in Steamboat Springs, which they are titling the "overall start." Why? The tent usually stretches along the length of the finishing stretch, you will get to see the rider pass twice AND you will not have to hold your place at the barriers all day. Also they serve great food and beverages under shaded tents, and the jersey presentation stage is nearby. I believe the purpose of VIP tickets is to afford ease of movement during the race. Don't just stay under the tent. The price however, is high, $250. Each.

Here is my tip: When it comes to VIP tickets - buy quality. Quality to me equates to visibility of the true race and need.
  • Buy Steamboat Springs Overall Start (finish) $250 (start and finish, 2 laps)
  • Buy Arapahoe Basin Finish $200 (Shelter, amenities)
  • Buy Denver Finish $250 (great atmosphere and placement on course, 4 laps))
  • Maybe Fort Collins finish, I hesitate only because Stage 6 will be a good stage to chase from the start in Loveland to the finish, and Fort Collins downtown has great outdoor patio restaurants and a lively festival. $200
Read more at: Should I buy a VIP ticket to the USA Pro Challenge? by Pedal Dancer®

The jerseys

THE COVERAGE
 
TV coverage of Stage 1: Universal Sports Network

See full schedule: TV coverage for USA Pro Challenge 2015
Stage 1 - 08/17/2015 2:00 (MDT) PM LIVE
Stage 1 - 08/17/2015 7:00 (MDT) PM Repeat

Media coverage at the race

Press Conference Daily: the post race press conferences will be shown live on prochallenge.com.

Media Coverage of the race will be provided by: Velo News, Cycling News, Steephill.TV & VeloImages, The Denver Post, 9News Denver (KUSA), Pedal Dancer® and Pro Velo Passion.

Photographer and journalists tweets from the race (I will add more as I verify they are at the race, and tweeting): @karenrake (Pedal Dancer), @Eibhir (Oran Kelly), @butterflywriter (Mary Topping of Pro Velo Passion), Darrell Parks (@DarrellParks), Brian Hodes (@veloimages).
 
Follow the race: USA Pro ChallengeFacebook | Twitter | Instagram

Wonderful photos, looking back at previous stages in Steamboat, by VeloImages.

Lots of people came out to the race last time the USA Pro Challenge was in Steamboat Springs. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
PEDAL DANCER®


Pedal Dancer® bike blog has been covering the race for five years, providing quick and easy spectator guides to each stage. Always considering the viewpoints and needs of spectators, tourists, cyclists, or straight-forward racing fans. I post stage results as well as inside stories from chasing the race. Read more education and stories about the race at Pedal Dancer® at the USA Pro Challenge

Pedal Dancer® recommendations for Stage 1:

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 (Saturday at 5:00 pm) 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.

I recommend bringing a bike with you to Steamboat Springs. Well developed bike paths make it easy to move in and out of the city or to and from outlying hotels. Also check at your hotel for local shuttle buses.
  1. Tip #1: Be sure to visit the team bus area to see the mechanics working on the bikes on Saturday and Sunday, and setting out the equipment for the riders before the stage starts.
  2. Tip #2: I like to get to a stage start early to locate the start/finish line, sign-in stage, large screen TVs, podium, festival, and team buses. And how to easily move in between all these fun areas of the race.
  3. Tip #3: The stage start is at 11:30 am. There should be activity around the team buses by 10:00 am where it is fun to look at the bikes and maybe watch an interview pre-race. 
  4. Tip #4: Within 1 hour of the start (10:30), the riders will begin signing in at the announcement/sign-in stage. This is the time for autographs as the riders pass to and from the stage. Be near the stage to hear the rider call up to the line and the singing of the national anthem. 
  5. Tip #5: Be there to see the race begin, then walk around the festival area and watch the race on the large screen TVs. Return to the barriers to see the riders pass before lap two. Have a quick lunch while keeping track of the race on your Tour Tracker app. The finish sprint should be between 3:13-4:38 pm. 
  6. Tip #6: Walk close to the podium (different stage from where the announcers/sign-in was located) to watch the podium presentation, 15-20 minutes after the finish of the stage. This will be the first time we get a glimpse of the men in the jersey classifications, although the winner might just receive both the green and the yellow jersey after today's stage.
Please read my spectator tips, fun stories from past years, and educational topics at the main Guide Page: USA Pro CHALLENGE

Pedal Dancer® posts about the race in 2015:
  1. How to see Stage 1 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Steamboat
  2. How to see Stage 2 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Steamboat / ABasin
  3. How to see Stage 3 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Copper / Aspen
  4. How to see Stage 4 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Aspen / Breck
  5. How to see Stage 5 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Breck ITT!
  6. How to see Stage 6 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Loveland / Fort Collins
  7. How to see Stage 7 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Golden / Denver 
Wish me luck .. I still have a lot of work to do ...


WHERE TO RIDE

Cycling: Six road bike rides near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, by Pedal Dancer®
Exciting finish. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT STAGES 1-7

Stages and Host Cities for 2015 USA Pro Challenge in Colorado - MENS
  • 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
Stages and Host Cities for 2015 2015 USA Pro Challenge in Colorado - WOMENS
  • 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)


THE RESULTS of STAGE 1

Stage 1 Results & GC Standings
  • First –  Taylor Phinney (USA) of BMC Racing Team
  • Second – Kiel Reijnen (USA) of United Healthcare
  • Third – Brent Bookwalter (USA) of BMC Racing Team
Jersey Winners
  • Smashburger Leader Jersey – Taylor Phinney (USA) BMC Racing Team
  • Lexus Sprint Jersey – Kiel Reijnen (USA) of UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team
  • Sierra Nevada King of the Mountains Jersey – Jonathan Clarke (AUS) of United Healthcare Team
  • Colorado State University Best Young Rider Jersey – Logan Owen (USA) of Axeon Cycling Team
  • FirstBank Most Aggressive Rider Jersey – Guillaume Boivin (MDA) of Optum-Kelly Benefit Strategies
  • Edward Jones Best Colorado Rider Jersey – Alexandr Braico (MDA) of Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis
To watch a replay of the race coverage, go to www.usaprochallenge/tourtracker

Press Room Comments:

Phinney ~

“I can tell you crossing the finish line and the roar of the crowd was really special and really emotional. It was the electric moment that we all live for.”

“I am not a climber, I can survive some climbs but a mountain top finish is not my cup of tea.”

“I’ll just kinda prance around in yellow for a couple of hours. It’s gonna be adifficult prance, but that’s how this race is and that’s how we like it.”

Kiel Reijnen ~

"In the end altitude and three climbs in arow was just too much for most of the guys.”

Brent Bookwalter on Taylor ~

“He really grew a lot emotionally and mentally. Before that, I valued his friendship and I valued his respect as a team mate, but I felt like we were not always on the same wavelength. He felt like the young crazy guy, he made me feel really old.”

“His experience the past 15 moths went a long way to help him relate and appreciate everyone, as well as value them and vocalize it.“

Photos of the race in Steamboat Springs:

Please see photos posted on my Twitter account at @karenrake




Pedal Dancer® Guide Pages help you have a better vacation in Colorado. Follow me on Twitter as I run around inside and outside of the barriers and tweet from the race as @KarenRake. See you there - Karen.