2015 USA Pro Challenge Spectator and Race Guide
Pedal Dancer guide to the race for fans
2015
Pedal Dancer® coverage of the 2015 USA Pro Challenge Route Maps | Men's Teams Announced | Men's startlist of pro racers | Women's Teams & Riders | TV coverage | Should I buy a VIP? | Stage 1 in Steamboat Springs | Stage 2 in Steamboat and Arapahoe Basin | Stage 3 in Copper Mountain and Aspen | Stage 4 in Aspen and Breckenridge | Stage 5 ITT in Breckenridge | Stage 7 in Golden and Denver | Colorado Cycling | Colorado Climbs | Traveling to Steamboat | Team Presentation | Press Conference
The USA Pro challenge is now in it's fifth year, every year the race begins in a new city, this year that honor goes to Steamboat Springs where the race begins on August 17th. Highlights for the race in 2015 include two passes over Independence Pass, an individual time trial in Breckenridge, an eventful four days in Steamboat Springs to start the race, a climb up Rist Canyon and Lookout Mountain, two first-ever visits to Arapahoe Basin and Cooper Mountain Resort, and a final four lap circuit in downtown Denver before the big finish in front of the Stage Capital.
Expect a very nice week in Colorado. Opportunities to be a fan along the route abound and are free (unless you prefer to purchase a VIP ticket or package experience). Being a spectator is an excellent family activity. If you enjoy cycling - bring your bike and pedal the same roads as the pros. The race continues to be popular with both fans and pro racers who give praise to organizers and look forward to returning with their teams year after year.
About the 2015 USA Pro Challenge Race:
Dates: August 17-23, 2015 - men's race, begins in Steamboat Springs
Dates: August 21-23, 2015 - women's race, begins in Breckenridge
7 Stages, 865 Miles, 32 Hours of Racing, 16 Cities
USAProCyclingChallenge.com, Twitter @USAProChallenge, FB USAProChallenge
Final roster list: print it out 2015 Mens Roster
NEWS & UPDATES I keep this Guide Page updated constantly!
Startlists: Riders Announced! List of pro racers for USA Pro Challenge 2015
TV Coverage: changed networks: TV coverage for USA Pro Challenge 2015
Road Closures: which roads will be closed for the USA Pro Challenge in your town this year? cotrip.org - travel advisories for roads along the race route offering exact roads and closures times.
SPECTATOR GUIDES by Pedal Dancer®
(stage guides are currently carefully being prepared for you while you are out on your daily bike rides)
What you need to know about each stage of the USA Pro Challenge on one resource page where you will find, in order, Stage dates, stage information, VIP tickets, apparel, city tourism, town websites, local events, TV coverage, Tour Tracker app, media coverage, stage preview, recommendations, where to ride, road closures, start time, finish time, route map, climb profiles, sprint location, KOM location, results, current standings, photos, and race links.
Crossing some of the most spectacular scenery in Colorado, through many of our most popular towns, this bike race is called a stage race (UCI 2.HC). The same group of riders will race day after day for seven days, from city to city across the state of Colorado, with no rest day. The man (and woman!) with the lowest time wins. Although the Grand Tours in Europe (Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, Vuelta a Espana) are up to 3-weeks in length, and the Tour of California is an 8-day race extending over two weekends, the Colorado tour is a one week race from Monday, August 17th through Sunday, August 23rd.
How will you see the race in 2015?
MEN'S RACE - stages
Stages and Host Cities for 2015 USA Pro Challenge in Colorado - MENS (maps below)
WOMEN'S RACE - stages
Stages and Host Cities for 2015 2015 USA Pro Challenge in Colorado - WOMENS (maps below)
PEDAL DANCER RACE COVERAGE FOR 2015
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.
The race begins in Steamboat Springs - a welcoming cowboy ski town northwest of Denver. The following day there will be an early climb over Rabbit Mountain and a final climb to the ski station of Arapahoe Basin (ABasin) - one of my favorite roads to cycle in Colorado (especially the nearby Loveland Pass). Next the peloton will depart Copper Mountain, another ski village, and climb over Fremont Pass and Independence Pass into the familiar city of Aspen. They won't stay long, the next day the riders climb back over Independence Pass once again, and Hoosier Pass to descend into Breckenridge. The next day the 9600'ft elevation individual time trial will take place. This will be a do not miss day in Breckenridge (it's a Friday).
Breckenridge is an excellent choice to base the peloton and it's entourage for two nights. As welcoming as Steamboat, the city is scenic and excels at hosting large events. The peloton heads to the front range for the last two stages, racing from Loveland to Fort Collins through the magnificent Rist Canyon, and finally from Golden up Lookout Mountain into downtown Denver. Four fast laps around the capital city will mark the end of the week long race in Colorado. Whereever you see the race - enjoy!
HOW TO WATCH THE USA PRO CHALLENGE
TOUR TRACKER
TourTracker™: Watch the USA Pro Cycling Challenge live on your computer, tablet, or mobile device. (web not yet available for download)
TELEVISION COVERAGE
Pro Cycling Challenge - TV Coverage, UNIVERSAL Sports Network (Not NBC or NBC Sports)
All times are Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)
Pro Cycling Challenge - TV Coverage, NBC Network:
Stage 7 - Denver 8/23/2015 2:00 PM (MDT) LIVE Final!
Media coverage at the race
Press Conference Daily: 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, 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, @butterflywriter (Pro Velo Passion),
Follow the race: USA Pro Challenge: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
THE COMPETITORS
TEAMS
Men
Read much more about the teams selected in this Pedal Dancer post: Which Teams will race in the USA Pro Challenge 2015? Final roster list: print it out 2015 Mens Roster
UCI World Teams
Cannondale-Garmin (USA) - Davide Formolo, Ruben Zepuntke, Janier Acevedo
BMC Racing (USA) - Rohan Dennis, Damiano Caruso
Trek Factory Racing (USA) - Matthew Busche, Haimar Zubeldia
Tinkoff-Saxo (RUS) - Bruno Pirez, Roman Krueziger
UCI Professional Continental teams
Caja Rural-Seguros RGA (ESP)
Drapac (AUS) - William Clark, Lachlan Norris, Martin Kohler
Team Novo Nordisk (USA) - Javier Mejias
UnitedHealthcare (USA)
UCI Continental teams
Axeon (USA)
Budget Forklifts (AUS)
Cycling Academy (ISR)
Hincapie Racing (USA)
Jamis-Hagens Berman (USA)
Jelly Belly-Maxxis (USA)
Optum-Kelly Benefit Strategies (USA)
Team SmartStop (USA)
Women
Some of the teams confirmed to race in the inaugural Women's USA Pro Challenge include:
RIDERS
2015 Mens Rider List for the USA Pro Challenge - (Not yet announced - riders will be announced in August 2015)
Keep your eye on Pro Cycling Stats as the rider startlists continue to form: USA Pro Challenge rider rosters.
RACE PREVIEW
Colorado terrain delivers long road climbs, making teamwork of vital importance. This race in Colorado also typically delivers a relatively short, at altitude, defining time trial - making for quite a combination of skills and requirements. Fans can expect to see some unfamiliar names with several continental riders on the podium again this year. Although we might expect a World Tour rider to win the overall general classification, the USA Pro Challenge is always a race that gives opportunity to breakaway specialist from a pro-conti or continental team to win a stage.
To win the USA Pro Challenge in 2015, teams will have to sacrifice greatly on Stage 1 to bring their leader close to the sprint finish line in Steamboat Springs, where a sprinter will win the stage. The next day, on Stage 2, strong teams must again deliver their leader as close to the 5-mile marker before Arapahoe Basin as possible. We should see the GC contenders forced to go for it in a final 5-mile strong climbing effort on a broad road to the line, although a puncheur might have already won the stage.
Look for the yellow jersey to change hands between Stage 1 (Steamboat) and Stage 2 (Arapahoe Basin). Root for the breakaway to stay away, or a rider in the chase group (rouleur), to win on Stage 3 (Aspen) and Stage 4 (Breckenridge finish). The yellow jersey will again change hands after the time trial of Stage 5 in Breckenridge. Enjoy a large sprint finish (for a tired sprinter who has climbed throughout the week) into Fort Collins on Stage 6, and again into Denver on Stage 7.
There are opportunities for stage wins for a sprinter, a strong finishing climber, a powerful rouleur, a time trial specialist who can manage a twisty climbing course, but especially the chance for a true team leader to win the overall race. Since Tejay Van Garderen will not be returning in 2015 to defend his twice earned title (he will be racing in Spain in the Vuelta a Espana), we will get to witness a new pro racer's dream come true.
2014 WINNERS - who won last year
Stage Winners from 2014:
Stage 1 - Kiel Reijnen, Aspen, UnitedHealthcare
Stage 2 - Robin Carpenter, Crested Butte, Hincapie Sportswear Development Team
Stage 3 - Tejay Van Garderen, Monarch Mountain, BMC Racing Team
Stage 4 - Elia Viviani, Colorado Springs, Cannondale
Stage 5 - Laurent Didier, Breckenridge, Trek Factory Racing
Stage 6 - Tejay Van Garderen, Vail ITT, BMC Racing Team
Stage 7 - Alex Howes, Denver, Garmin Sharp
2014 Overall General Classification - final podium
Yellow - Tejay Van Garderen BMC Racing Team
Sprint - Kiel Reijnen UnitedHealthcare
Mountain - Ben Jacques-Maynes Jamis - Hagens Berman
Young - Clement Chevrier Bissell Development Team
2014 Best Team - BMC
History of overall race winners:
THE ROADS
ROAD CLOSURES FOR THE 2015 USA PRO CHALLENGE
Important Lines for Spectators to the Pro Challenge - road closures, parking, camping:
All roads for the circuits and individual time trial will be fully closed, other roads will have rolling road closures (see definitions below).
A word from race organizers: "Keep in mind that road closures and delays to motorized traffic do not apply to pedestrians and bike traffic, so why not ride your bike or park and walk to the location you want to watch the race? Both are great ways to see the action and join in on the fun and excitement of experiencing this world class event. Just be aware of your surroundings and stay on the shoulders where they're available."
I would add that bikes and pedestrians are not allowed to move along CLOSED roads while the race is in progress, please find your viewing place by the time the road closes. Race Marshals and/or Police will ask you to stop and move off the road with good intentions for your safety and the safety of the racers.
Drivers:
This section is intended to help you enjoy the race while understanding that the most important goal of race organizers is to keep the riders and citizens safe. Your goal is to allow enough time to be safe to others, not be disappointed, and arrive relaxed and ready to have FUN! Being out on the road as a fan is a fabulous experience, being in the mountains of Colorado is even better!
Road Closures:
Wondering which roads will be closed for the USA Pro Challenge in your town this year? CDOT
CDOT creates an excellent website for fans regarding travel advisories for roads along the race route offering exact roads and closures times. Road closures are a key concern and all race personal and hired police take it very seriously. The CDOT website link gives detailed information regarding roads, direction of traffic halted, and times. Once you are on the website, please select from the individual stage tabs on the page to see the road closures for each stage.
THE ROUTE
2015 ROUTE MAPS AND PROFILES OF USA PRO CHALLENGE, Stage 1 through 7
STAGE 1 - Steamboat Springs
MONDAY, August 17, STAGE 1 - 2 lap circuit
How to see Stage 1 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Steamboat Springs
STAGE 2 - Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin - * Mountain top finish!
TUESDAY, August 18, STAGE 2 - road race
How to see Stage 2 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Steamboat / A-Basin
THE CLIMBS
STAGE 3 - Copper Mountain to Aspen maps - high elevation!
WEDNESDAY, August 19, STAGE 3 - road race
How to see Stage 3 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Copper / Aspen
STAGE 4 - Aspen to Breckenridge maps - another high altitude day!
THURSDAY, August 20, STAGE 4 - road race
STAGE 5 - Breckenridge ITT maps - Individual Time Trial
FRIDAY, August 21, STAGE 5 - individual time trial
How to see Stage 5 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Breck ITT!
The 1st stage of the women's race will take place on the same day as the men's 5th stage in Breckenridge. Be aware of early road closures.
State Highways Impacted: Highway 9, Boreas Pass rd, Wellington Rd, Royal Tiger Rd, Moonstone Rd, Jefferson Ave, Main St.
STAGE 6 - Loveland to Fort Collins maps
SATURDAY, August 22, STAGE 6 - road race
The 2nd stage of the women's race will take place on the same day as the men's 6th stage from Loveland to Fort Collins. Be aware of early road closures.
STAGE 7 - Golden to Denver maps - 4 laps in Denver!
SUNDAY, August 23, STAGE 7 - road race
The 3rd stage of the womens race will begin and end in Golden on the same day as the men's final stage from Golden to Denver. Be aware of early road closures.
WOMEN'S 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
STAGE 2 - Loveland to Fort Collins - WOMENS
Saturday, August 22, 2015
STAGE 3 - Golden - WOMENS
Sunday, August 23, 2015
THE CLIMBS
Cyclesense 365 blog, written by the staff at the USA Pro Challenge, offers this fine list of the highest climbs in this year's USA Pro Challenge. Read the blog about climbing at altitude: Riders Climb Into Thin Air at the USA Pro Challenge, by USA Pro Challenge.
Stage 2 (Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin)
GO RIDE STEAMBOAT - AMATEUR EVENT BIKE RIDE
Race organizers have arranged an opportunity for mere mortals to race out on course on Saturday, August 15th. You can join this event ride to cycle one complete 50-mile loop of Stage 1 (the pros will do 2 loops), then relax with a beer and lunch (included). Last year, the Team Presentation was also on Saturday evening.
2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011
Archived complete Pedal Dancer® coverage of the race:
See the full archived: USA Pro Challenge Stage Race Coverage by Pedal Dancer
This is the archived version of the 2015 race: 2015 USA Pro Challenge Guide for Fans
For an archived version of the 2014 race, go to: 2014 USA Pro Challenge Guide for Fans
For an archived version of the 2013 race, go to: 2013 USA Pro Challenge Guide for Fans
For an archived version of the 2012 race, go to: 2012 USA Pro Challenge Guide for Fans
For an archived version of the 2011 race, go to: 2011 USA Pro Challenge Guide for Fans
2015
Pedal Dancer® coverage of the 2015 USA Pro Challenge Route Maps | Men's Teams Announced | Men's startlist of pro racers | Women's Teams & Riders | TV coverage | Should I buy a VIP? | Stage 1 in Steamboat Springs | Stage 2 in Steamboat and Arapahoe Basin | Stage 3 in Copper Mountain and Aspen | Stage 4 in Aspen and Breckenridge | Stage 5 ITT in Breckenridge | Stage 7 in Golden and Denver | Colorado Cycling | Colorado Climbs | Traveling to Steamboat | Team Presentation | Press Conference
The USA Pro challenge is now in it's fifth year, every year the race begins in a new city, this year that honor goes to Steamboat Springs where the race begins on August 17th. Highlights for the race in 2015 include two passes over Independence Pass, an individual time trial in Breckenridge, an eventful four days in Steamboat Springs to start the race, a climb up Rist Canyon and Lookout Mountain, two first-ever visits to Arapahoe Basin and Cooper Mountain Resort, and a final four lap circuit in downtown Denver before the big finish in front of the Stage Capital.
Expect a very nice week in Colorado. Opportunities to be a fan along the route abound and are free (unless you prefer to purchase a VIP ticket or package experience). Being a spectator is an excellent family activity. If you enjoy cycling - bring your bike and pedal the same roads as the pros. The race continues to be popular with both fans and pro racers who give praise to organizers and look forward to returning with their teams year after year.
About the 2015 USA Pro Challenge Race:
Dates: August 17-23, 2015 - men's race, begins in Steamboat Springs
Dates: August 21-23, 2015 - women's race, begins in Breckenridge
7 Stages, 865 Miles, 32 Hours of Racing, 16 Cities
USAProCyclingChallenge.com, Twitter @USAProChallenge, FB USAProChallenge
Final roster list: print it out 2015 Mens Roster
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| Map of 2015 USA Pro Challenge Colorado |
NEWS & UPDATES I keep this Guide Page updated constantly!
Startlists: Riders Announced! List of pro racers for USA Pro Challenge 2015
TV Coverage: changed networks: TV coverage for USA Pro Challenge 2015
Road Closures: which roads will be closed for the USA Pro Challenge in your town this year? cotrip.org - travel advisories for roads along the race route offering exact roads and closures times.
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| The start of Stage 1 in Aspen in 2014. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
(stage guides are currently carefully being prepared for you while you are out on your daily bike rides)
What you need to know about each stage of the USA Pro Challenge on one resource page where you will find, in order, Stage dates, stage information, VIP tickets, apparel, city tourism, town websites, local events, TV coverage, Tour Tracker app, media coverage, stage preview, recommendations, where to ride, road closures, start time, finish time, route map, climb profiles, sprint location, KOM location, results, current standings, photos, and race links.
- How to see Stage 1 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Steamboat Springs
- How to see Stage 2 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Steamboat / A-Basin
- How to see Stage 3 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Copper / Aspen
- How to see Stage 4 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Aspen / Breckenridge
- How to see Stage 5 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Breckenridge 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
- 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?
- Exact route maps of USA Pro Challenge 2015 Announced
- Host Cities for 2015 USA Pro Challenge
- Check road closures
- Allow time to watch the women's race before the men's race.
- Bring water, food, sunscreen and a rain jacket(!)
- Ride your bike up a mountain!
- Ride your bike into the city: use bike valets or bring a lock
- Visit the team buses at the start of a stage and ask the mechanics a question
- Use Tour Tracker app to watch while you wait
- Enjoy the festival at every finish area while you wait
- Be on a mountain: Rabbit Ears Pass, Arapahoe Basin, Independence Pass, Hoosier Pass
- Buy a VIP ticket in Steamboat Springs, Fort Collin or Denver (if you can $$), but be sure to wander around outside of the VIP tent as well.
- Stay overnight in a host city (if you can).
- Stay to enjoy dinner (or listen to a concert) after a stage finish and let the traffic die down.
- Go to more than one stage: see a start, a finish, a mountain top, a sprint, a KOM, a feed zone (feed zone locations are not published, but signs are placed on the road).
- Bring 3 sharpie pens for autographs (just in case you loose one)
- Always carry something to autograph, just in case you see your favorite racer before or after a stage, or while walking around town.
Crossing some of the most spectacular scenery in Colorado, through many of our most popular towns, this bike race is called a stage race (UCI 2.HC). The same group of riders will race day after day for seven days, from city to city across the state of Colorado, with no rest day. The man (and woman!) with the lowest time wins. Although the Grand Tours in Europe (Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, Vuelta a Espana) are up to 3-weeks in length, and the Tour of California is an 8-day race extending over two weekends, the Colorado tour is a one week race from Monday, August 17th through Sunday, August 23rd.
How will you see the race in 2015?
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| Location of Colorado in the U.S.A. |
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| The thrill of the race. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
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| A relaxing day at the race. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
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| Fun on a mountaintop (the scene on Independence Pass). Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
Stages and Host Cities for 2015 USA Pro Challenge in Colorado - MENS (maps below)
- Stage 1: Monday, Aug. 17 – Steamboat Springs
- 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
WOMEN'S RACE - stages
Stages and Host Cities for 2015 2015 USA Pro Challenge in Colorado - WOMENS (maps below)
- Stage 1: Friday, August 21 - Breckenridge (Individual Time Trial same day as men)
- Stage 2: Saturday, August 22 - Fort Collins
- Stage 3: Sunday, August 23 - Golden (finishes prior to the start of the men's race)
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| 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® |
PEDAL DANCER RACE COVERAGE FOR 2015
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.
The race begins in Steamboat Springs - a welcoming cowboy ski town northwest of Denver. The following day there will be an early climb over Rabbit Mountain and a final climb to the ski station of Arapahoe Basin (ABasin) - one of my favorite roads to cycle in Colorado (especially the nearby Loveland Pass). Next the peloton will depart Copper Mountain, another ski village, and climb over Fremont Pass and Independence Pass into the familiar city of Aspen. They won't stay long, the next day the riders climb back over Independence Pass once again, and Hoosier Pass to descend into Breckenridge. The next day the 9600'ft elevation individual time trial will take place. This will be a do not miss day in Breckenridge (it's a Friday).
Breckenridge is an excellent choice to base the peloton and it's entourage for two nights. As welcoming as Steamboat, the city is scenic and excels at hosting large events. The peloton heads to the front range for the last two stages, racing from Loveland to Fort Collins through the magnificent Rist Canyon, and finally from Golden up Lookout Mountain into downtown Denver. Four fast laps around the capital city will mark the end of the week long race in Colorado. Whereever you see the race - enjoy!
HOW TO WATCH THE USA PRO CHALLENGE
TOUR TRACKER
TourTracker™: Watch the USA Pro Cycling Challenge live on your computer, tablet, or mobile device. (web not yet available for download)
TELEVISION COVERAGE
Pro Cycling Challenge - TV Coverage, UNIVERSAL Sports Network (Not NBC or NBC Sports)
All times are Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)
| Preview Show | 08/16/2015 | 2:00 PM (MDT) | Premiere |
| Preview Show | 08/16/2015 | 5:00 PM (MDT) | Repeat |
| Preview Show | 08/16/2015 | 8:00 PM (MDT) | Repeat |
| Preview Show | 08/16/2015 | 11:00 AM (MDT) | Repeat |
| Stage 1 - Monday | 08/17/2015 | 2:00 PM (MDT) | LIVE |
| Stage 1 | 08/17/2015 | 7:00 PM (MDT) | Repeat |
| Stage 2 - Tuesday | 08/18/2015 | 2:00 PM (MDT) | LIVE |
| Stage 2 | 08/18/2015 | 7:00 PM (MDT) | Repeat |
| Stage 3 - Wednesday | 08/19/2015 | 2:00 PM (MDT) | LIVE |
| Stage 3 | 08/19/2015 | 7:00 PM (MDT) | Repeat |
| Stage 4 - Thursday | 08/20/2015 | 2:00 PM (MDT) | LIVE |
| Stage 4 | 08/20/2015 | 7:00 PM (MDT) | Repeat |
| Stage 5 - Friday (ITT!) | 08/21/2015 | 2:00 PM (MDT) | LIVE |
| Stage 5 | 08/22/2015 | 7:00 AM (MDT) | Repeat |
| Stage 6 - Saturday | 08/22/2015 | 2:00 PM (MDT) | LIVE |
| Stage 6 | 08/23/2015 | 6:00 AM (MDT) | Repeat |
Pro Cycling Challenge - TV Coverage, NBC Network:
| Stage 7 (re-NBC) | 08/24/2015 | 4:00 PM (MDT) | Delay |
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| See the race LIVE! Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
Press Conference Daily: 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, 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, @butterflywriter (Pro Velo Passion),
Follow the race: USA Pro Challenge: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
THE COMPETITORS
TEAMS
Men
Read much more about the teams selected in this Pedal Dancer post: Which Teams will race in the USA Pro Challenge 2015? Final roster list: print it out 2015 Mens Roster
UCI World Teams
Cannondale-Garmin (USA) - Davide Formolo, Ruben Zepuntke, Janier Acevedo
BMC Racing (USA) - Rohan Dennis, Damiano Caruso
Trek Factory Racing (USA) - Matthew Busche, Haimar Zubeldia
Tinkoff-Saxo (RUS) - Bruno Pirez, Roman Krueziger
UCI Professional Continental teams
Caja Rural-Seguros RGA (ESP)
Drapac (AUS) - William Clark, Lachlan Norris, Martin Kohler
Team Novo Nordisk (USA) - Javier Mejias
UnitedHealthcare (USA)
UCI Continental teams
Axeon (USA)
Budget Forklifts (AUS)
Cycling Academy (ISR)
Hincapie Racing (USA)
Jamis-Hagens Berman (USA)
Jelly Belly-Maxxis (USA)
Optum-Kelly Benefit Strategies (USA)
Team SmartStop (USA)
Women
Some of the teams confirmed to race in the inaugural Women's USA Pro Challenge include:
- TWENTY16 p/b Sho-Air
- Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
- UnitedHealthcare Professional Cycling Team
- BMW p/b Happy Tooth Dental
- Pepper Palace Pro Cycling p/b The Happy Tooth Team
- TIBCO-SVB
- Visit Dallas p/b Noise4Good
- Colavita/Bianchi p/b Fine Cooking
- DNA Cycling p/b K4
- Colorado Women's Cycling Project p/b Spark Women's Racing
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| Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
RIDERS
2015 Mens Rider List for the USA Pro Challenge - (Not yet announced - riders will be announced in August 2015)
Keep your eye on Pro Cycling Stats as the rider startlists continue to form: USA Pro Challenge rider rosters.
RACE PREVIEW
Colorado terrain delivers long road climbs, making teamwork of vital importance. This race in Colorado also typically delivers a relatively short, at altitude, defining time trial - making for quite a combination of skills and requirements. Fans can expect to see some unfamiliar names with several continental riders on the podium again this year. Although we might expect a World Tour rider to win the overall general classification, the USA Pro Challenge is always a race that gives opportunity to breakaway specialist from a pro-conti or continental team to win a stage.
To win the USA Pro Challenge in 2015, teams will have to sacrifice greatly on Stage 1 to bring their leader close to the sprint finish line in Steamboat Springs, where a sprinter will win the stage. The next day, on Stage 2, strong teams must again deliver their leader as close to the 5-mile marker before Arapahoe Basin as possible. We should see the GC contenders forced to go for it in a final 5-mile strong climbing effort on a broad road to the line, although a puncheur might have already won the stage.
Look for the yellow jersey to change hands between Stage 1 (Steamboat) and Stage 2 (Arapahoe Basin). Root for the breakaway to stay away, or a rider in the chase group (rouleur), to win on Stage 3 (Aspen) and Stage 4 (Breckenridge finish). The yellow jersey will again change hands after the time trial of Stage 5 in Breckenridge. Enjoy a large sprint finish (for a tired sprinter who has climbed throughout the week) into Fort Collins on Stage 6, and again into Denver on Stage 7.
There are opportunities for stage wins for a sprinter, a strong finishing climber, a powerful rouleur, a time trial specialist who can manage a twisty climbing course, but especially the chance for a true team leader to win the overall race. Since Tejay Van Garderen will not be returning in 2015 to defend his twice earned title (he will be racing in Spain in the Vuelta a Espana), we will get to witness a new pro racer's dream come true.
- Rouleur: a good all-rounder across all terrain types (Colorado cyclists!)
- Puncheur: specializes in rolling terrain with short but steep climbs
- Breakaway specialist: specializes in attacks from the start off the front in order to show off his sponsor and to try his luck to reach the finish line first.
- General classification rider: the racer whose eye in on the biggest prize.
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| Final Classification Jerseys of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
Stage Winners from 2014:
Stage 1 - Kiel Reijnen, Aspen, UnitedHealthcare
Stage 2 - Robin Carpenter, Crested Butte, Hincapie Sportswear Development Team
Stage 3 - Tejay Van Garderen, Monarch Mountain, BMC Racing Team
Stage 4 - Elia Viviani, Colorado Springs, Cannondale
Stage 5 - Laurent Didier, Breckenridge, Trek Factory Racing
Stage 6 - Tejay Van Garderen, Vail ITT, BMC Racing Team
Stage 7 - Alex Howes, Denver, Garmin Sharp
2014 Overall General Classification - final podium
- Tejay Van Garderen BMC Racing Team
- Tom Danielson Garmin Sharp
- Serghei Tevetcov Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis
Yellow - Tejay Van Garderen BMC Racing Team
Sprint - Kiel Reijnen UnitedHealthcare
Mountain - Ben Jacques-Maynes Jamis - Hagens Berman
Young - Clement Chevrier Bissell Development Team
2014 Best Team - BMC
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| Best team 2014 - BMC selfie! Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
| 2011 |  |
Levi Leipheimer (USA) | Team RadioShack |
| 2012 | |
Christian Vande Velde (USA) | Garmin-Sharp |
| 2013 | |
Tejay Van Garderen (USA) | BMC Racing Team |
| 2014 | |
Tejay Van Garderen (USA) | BMC Racing Team |
THE ROADS
ROAD CLOSURES FOR THE 2015 USA PRO CHALLENGE
Important Lines for Spectators to the Pro Challenge - road closures, parking, camping:
- Camping and Parking for Stages 2 and 4 near Arapahoe Basin and Breckenridge: USDA Forest Service - White River National Forest
- Camping and Parking for Stages 3 and 4 near Aspen: USDA Forest Service - White River National Forest
- CDOT Colorado Department of Transportation advisory of road closures: USA Pro Challenge Road Closures 2015
All roads for the circuits and individual time trial will be fully closed, other roads will have rolling road closures (see definitions below).
A word from race organizers: "Keep in mind that road closures and delays to motorized traffic do not apply to pedestrians and bike traffic, so why not ride your bike or park and walk to the location you want to watch the race? Both are great ways to see the action and join in on the fun and excitement of experiencing this world class event. Just be aware of your surroundings and stay on the shoulders where they're available."
I would add that bikes and pedestrians are not allowed to move along CLOSED roads while the race is in progress, please find your viewing place by the time the road closes. Race Marshals and/or Police will ask you to stop and move off the road with good intentions for your safety and the safety of the racers.
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| Team cars line up at a stage start in Aspen. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
This section is intended to help you enjoy the race while understanding that the most important goal of race organizers is to keep the riders and citizens safe. Your goal is to allow enough time to be safe to others, not be disappointed, and arrive relaxed and ready to have FUN! Being out on the road as a fan is a fabulous experience, being in the mountains of Colorado is even better!
Road Closures:
Wondering which roads will be closed for the USA Pro Challenge in your town this year? CDOT
CDOT creates an excellent website for fans regarding travel advisories for roads along the race route offering exact roads and closures times. Road closures are a key concern and all race personal and hired police take it very seriously. The CDOT website link gives detailed information regarding roads, direction of traffic halted, and times. Once you are on the website, please select from the individual stage tabs on the page to see the road closures for each stage.
THE ROUTE
2015 ROUTE MAPS AND PROFILES OF USA PRO CHALLENGE, Stage 1 through 7
STAGE 1 - Steamboat Springs
MONDAY, August 17, STAGE 1 - 2 lap circuit
How to see Stage 1 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Steamboat Springs
- Stage 1 Route Map pdf
- Stage 1 Climb Profle pdf
- 97 Miles / 156 Kilometers / 6,518 ft of climbing
- Highlights: 2 laps on a large circuit
- Start City: Steamboat Springs
- Stage start area near the team buses and sign-in podium are great places to get autographs
- Steamboat Springs Stage 1 Finish Festival hours: 10:30 am - 5:30 pm
- Finish Festival Location: Yampa Street, Steamboat Springs, CO
- Stage 1 Start time: 11:30 am
- Sprint: Steamboat Springs downtown
- KOM: Midpoint on Hwy 27 (Lap 1 & 2)
- Stage Schedule / Log Stage 1: Expected time along the course
- Finish City: Steamboat Springs
- Stage 1 Finish time: approximate 3:13 - 4:38 pm
- Podium Presentation typically 15-minutes after leaders of the stage finish
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| USA Pro Challenge Stage 1 route map 2015 - Steamboat Springs Circuit |
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| Steamboat Springs circuit profile map USa Pro Challenge 2015 |
STAGE 2 - Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin - * Mountain top finish!
TUESDAY, August 18, STAGE 2 - road race
How to see Stage 2 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Steamboat / A-Basin
- Stage 2 Route Map pdf
- Stage 2 Climb Profile pdf
- 115 Miles / 185 Kilometers / 10,078 ft of climbing
- Highlights: Rabbit Ears Pass, Sprint in Kremling and Dillon, Mountaintop finish at ABasin
- Start City: Steamboat Springs
- Stage 2 Start time: 10:55 am
- Stage start area near the team buses and sign-in podium are great places to get autographs
- Sprint: Kremling and Dillon
- KOM: Rabbit Ears Pass and final climb of Arapahoe Basin
- Finish City: Arapahoe Basin (Ski Resort)
- Arapahoe Basin Stage 2 Finish Festival hours: 12-5:30 pm
- Finish Festival Location: Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Colorado
- Stage 2 Finish time: approximate 3:46 - 4:43 pm
- Podium Presentation typically 15-minutes after leaders of the stage finish
- Free concert after the stage finish at Arapahoe Basin at 5:00 pm
THE CLIMBS
- Rabbit Ears Pass: Max Grade 7.5%, Max elevation 9426 ft
- Ute Pass:
- Road to Arapahoe Basin: 5.1 miles, gain of 1551 ft., 5% to 7%
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| USA Pro Challenge Stage 2 route map 2015 - Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort |
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| Profile map Stage 2 USA Pro Challenge 2015 |
WEDNESDAY, August 19, STAGE 3 - road race
How to see Stage 3 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Copper / Aspen
- Stage 3 Route Map pdf
- Stage 3 Climb Profile pdf
- 101 Mile / 163 Kilometers / 7,419 ft of climbing
- Max Elevation: 12,095ft
- Highlights: First-time host city start at Copper Mountain Village, climb of Fremont Pass, Loop around Turquoise Lake, sprint in Leadville, climb over Independence Pass, finish in Aspen
- Start City: Copper Mountain ski resort
- Stage 3 Start time: 11:15 am
- Stage start area near the team buses and sign-in podium are great places to get autographs
- Free concert at Copper Mountain Resort after the stage start at 12:00 pm
- Sprint: Leadville
- KOM: Fremont Pass (11,320ft), Independence Pass (12,096ft)
- Finish City: Aspen downtown
- Aspen Stage 3 Finish Festival hours: 11:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Finish Festival Location: downtown Aspen
- Stage 3 Finish time: approximate 2:56 - 4:47 pm
- Podium Presentation typically 15-minutes after leaders of the stage finish
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| USA Pro Challenge Stage 3 route map 2015 - Copper Mountain to Aspen |
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| Stage 3 profile map USA Pro Challenge 2015 Colorado |
STAGE 4 - Aspen to Breckenridge maps - another high altitude day!
THURSDAY, August 20, STAGE 4 - road race
- Stage 4 Route Map pdf
- Stage 4 Climb Profile pdf
- 126 Miles / 203 Kilometers / 9,631 ft of climbing
- Max Elevation: 12,095ft
- Highlights: Start in downtown Aspen, climb over Independence Pass, sprint in Buena Vista and Fairplay, climb over Hoosier Pass, climb up Moonstone Rd and descend Boreas Pass before finishing on Main St in Breckenridge.
- Start City: Aspen
- Stage 4 Start time: 10:20 am
- Stage start area near the team buses and sign-in podium are great places to get autographs
- Sprint: Buena Vista, Fairplay
- KOM: Independence Pass (12, 096 ft), Hoosier Pass (11,541ft), Moonstone Rd in Breckenridge
- Finish City: Breckenridge
- Breckenridge Stage 4 Finish Festival hours: 11:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Finish Festival Location: parking lots of Breckenridge
- Stage 4 Finish time: approximate 2:56 - 4:47 pm
- Podium Presentation typically 15-minutes after leaders of the stage finish
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| USA Pro Challenge Stage 4 route map 2015 - Aspen to Breckenridge |
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| Profile map 2015 USA Pro Challenge Stage 4 |
STAGE 5 - Breckenridge ITT maps - Individual Time Trial
FRIDAY, August 21, STAGE 5 - individual time trial
How to see Stage 5 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Breck ITT!
The 1st stage of the women's race will take place on the same day as the men's 5th stage in Breckenridge. Be aware of early road closures.
- Stage 5 Route Map pdf
- Stage 5 Climb Profile pdf
- 8.5 Miles / 14 Kilometers / 792 ft of climbing
- Max Elevation: 10,088ft
- Highlights: 4+ hours of continuous action as each rider challenges himself /herself against the clock.
- Start City: Breckenridge
- WOMENS Stage 1 Start time: 10:45 am
- WOMENS Stage 1 Finish time: 12:35 pm
- MENS Stage 5 Start time: 1:00 pm (plan your early arrival due to women's race)
- Stage start area near the team buses and sign-in podium are great places to get autographs
- No Sprint or KOM points
- Finish City: Breckenridge
- Breckenridge Stage 5 Finish Festival hours: 11:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Finish Festival Location: parking lots of Breckenridge
- MENS Stage 5 Finish time: 3:50 pm
- Podium Presentation typically 15-minutes after last finisher
State Highways Impacted: Highway 9, Boreas Pass rd, Wellington Rd, Royal Tiger Rd, Moonstone Rd, Jefferson Ave, Main St.
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| USA Pro Challenge Stage 5 Breckenridge Time Trial 2015 |
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| Breckenridge time trial Stage 5 USA Pro Challenge 2015 |
STAGE 6 - Loveland to Fort Collins maps
SATURDAY, August 22, STAGE 6 - road race
The 2nd stage of the women's race will take place on the same day as the men's 6th stage from Loveland to Fort Collins. Be aware of early road closures.
- Stage 6 Route Map pdf
- Stage 6 Climb Profile pdf
- 102 Miles/ 165 Kilometers / 6,228 ft of climbing
- Start City: Loveland
- WOMEN Stage 2 Start time (not yet announced)
- WOMEN Stage 2 Finish time (not yet announced)
- MEN Stage 6 Start time MEN: 11:45 am
- Stage start area near the team buses and sign-in podium are great places to get autographs
- Sprint: Windsor, Loveland downtown
- KOM: Rist Canyon
- Finish City: Fort Collins
- Fort Collins Stage 6 Finish Festival hours: 11:30am - 5:00 pm
- Finish Festival Location: downtown streets of Fort Collins
- MEN Stage 6 Finish time: approximate 3:27 - 4:57 pm
- Podium Presentation typically 15-minutes after leaders of the stage finish
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| USA Pro Challenge Stage 6 route map 2015 - Loveland to Fort Collins |
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| Profile map Stage 6 Loveland USA Pro Challenge 2015 |
STAGE 7 - Golden to Denver maps - 4 laps in Denver!
SUNDAY, August 23, STAGE 7 - road race
The 3rd stage of the womens race will begin and end in Golden on the same day as the men's final stage from Golden to Denver. Be aware of early road closures.
- Stage 7 Route Map pdf
- Stage 7 Climb Profile pdf
- 68 Miles / 110 Kilometers / 3,237 ft of climbing
- Start City: Golden downtown
- WOMENS Stage 3 Start time: 10:30 am (plan your early arrival for the women's race)
- WOMENS Stage 3 Finish time: estimated 11:30 am
- MENS Stage 7 Start time: 1:10 pm
- Stage start area near the team buses and sign-in podium are great places to get autographs
- MENS Sprint: at Finish Line
- MENS KOM: Lookout Mountain
- Finish City: Denver downtown (4 laps in Denver)
- Denver Stage 7 Finish Festival hours: 11:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Finish Festival Location: in park, between Broadway and City & County Building
- MENS Stage 7 Finish time: approximate 3:38-3:57 pm
- Podium Presentation typically 15-minutes after leaders of the stage finish
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| USA Pro Challenge Stage 7 route maps 2015 - Golden to Denver |
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| Profile map Stage 7 Golden USA Pro Challenge 2015 |
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| Denver Stage 7 Finish Map USA Pro Challenge 2015 |
WOMEN'S 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
- Stage 1 Women's Route Map pdf
- Stage 1 Women's Profile pdf
- 8.5 Miles / 14 Kilometers
- Time Trial
- Stage 1 Start time: 10:45 am WOMENS
- Sprint: none
- KOM: none
- Stage 1 Finish time: 12:35 pm WOMENS
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| Women's Stage 1 Route 2015 USA pro Challenge |
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| Womens Stage 1 Profile 2015 USA Pro Challenge |
STAGE 2 - Loveland to Fort Collins - WOMENS
Saturday, August 22, 2015
- Stage 2 Women's Route Map pdf
- Stage 2 Women's Profile pdf
- 58 Miles / 93 Kilometers
- Road Race
- Stage 2 Start time WOMEN: ?
- Sprint: Downtown Loveland
- KOM: Rist Canyon
- Stage 2 Finish time WOMEN: approximate ?
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| Stage 2 Women's Route Map 2015 USA Pro Challenge |
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| Stage 2 Women's Profile 2015 USA Pro Challenge |
STAGE 3 - Golden - WOMENS
Sunday, August 23, 2015
- Stage 3 Women's Route Map pdf
- Stage 3 Women's Profile pdf
- 60 minutes plus 3 laps
- Circuit Race (repeated laps in Golden, within a set time, the race does not continue to Denver)
- WOMENS Stage 3 Start time: 10:30 am
- WOMENS Stage 3 Finish time: estimated 11:30 am
- MENS Stage 7 Start time: 1:10 pm
- MENS Denver Stage 7 Finish Festival hours: 11:30 am - 4:00 pm
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| Golden Women's Circuit Route Map USA Pro Challenge 2015 - route of all laps |
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| Golden Women's Circuit Profile USA Pro Challenge 2015 - profile of all laps |
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| 2015 USA Pro Challenge tshirt, buy now |
THE CLIMBS
Cyclesense 365 blog, written by the staff at the USA Pro Challenge, offers this fine list of the highest climbs in this year's USA Pro Challenge. Read the blog about climbing at altitude: Riders Climb Into Thin Air at the USA Pro Challenge, by USA Pro Challenge.
Stage 2 (Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin)
- RabbitEars Pass (9,391')
- Ute Pass (9,570')
- Arapahoe Basin (10,780')
- Fremont Pass (11,079')
- Independence Pass (12,095')
- Independence Pass (12,095')
- Hoosier Pass (11,542')
- Moonstone Road (10,088')
- Moonstone Road (10,088') - Men's and Women's Race
- Rist Canyon (8,008') - Men's and Women's Race
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| Be there to watch the podium presentations after every stage. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
Race organizers have arranged an opportunity for mere mortals to race out on course on Saturday, August 15th. You can join this event ride to cycle one complete 50-mile loop of Stage 1 (the pros will do 2 loops), then relax with a beer and lunch (included). Last year, the Team Presentation was also on Saturday evening.
- Saturday, August 15, 2015 - Steamboat Springs
- 25 or 50 miles; loop ride out and back from Steamboat.
- What you get: a tech tee, a pint glass, 2 beers, lunch and you get to ride 1 loop Stage 1 pro race.
- Register for the ride
- Cost: $70-100 + 6.75% transaction fee
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| Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
Archived complete Pedal Dancer® coverage of the race:
See the full archived: USA Pro Challenge Stage Race Coverage by Pedal Dancer
This is the archived version of the 2015 race: 2015 USA Pro Challenge Guide for Fans
For an archived version of the 2014 race, go to: 2014 USA Pro Challenge Guide for Fans
For an archived version of the 2013 race, go to: 2013 USA Pro Challenge Guide for Fans
For an archived version of the 2012 race, go to: 2012 USA Pro Challenge Guide for Fans
For an archived version of the 2011 race, go to: 2011 USA Pro Challenge Guide for Fans