TUESDAY, August 18, STAGE 2 - Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin
What is the best way to see Stage 2 of the 2015 USA Pro Challenge as a fan? Whether you are a lover of bike racing or fun social events, Stage 2 will be a full day of mountain activity; with opportunities to ride your bike to the stage and enjoy a festive atmosphere. This easy one-page guide is intended to help locals and tourists better plan for watching Stage 2 in Steamboat Springs and Arapahoe Basin.
Please note that road closure times and exact finish times sometimes change closer to race day.
Find what you need to know about Stage 2 of the USA Pro Challenge in Steamboat Springs and Arapahoe Basin below in the following order: Stage 2 dates, key 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
THE RACE
STAGE 2 - Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin - * Mountain top finish! (sort of)
Tuesday, August 18, STAGE 2 - road race
Race Preview - Stage 2 USA Pro Challenge 2015
This should be a pleasant cool-air morning departure from Steamboat Springs ... for the first 5-miles. Then the moderate climb (to pros) of Rabbit Ears Pass will quickly stretch the peloton over the next 7-miles. By the decent over the eastern most summit of the pass - after mile 30 - we should have an idea of the established breakaway group to receive the most TV time for many miles. Things probably will not change much over Ute Pass, a moderate 4-5% climb, unless someone decides to accelerate and leave a few behind. After the underpass to Dillon the teams better be in place to give their GC contender the best chance at a Top 10 result.
Although this stage is titled as a mountain top finish, locals know this is a broad well-paved road to an established ski resort. The road actually continues up the south side of Loveland Pass (an excellent bike ride!), but Stage two will finish with a straight away into the parking lot.
Arapahoe Basin will be a fun mountain location for a stage finish. Fans should have a great time waiting for the finish by keeping an eye on the big screen TVs and participating in lots of special activities arranged for spectators. What the teams will go through, out on the road while you wait, is a entirely different story. The last 13-miles of the race could be grueling, and at the same time matter greatly to the overall race, deciding the General Classification battle for the week ahead. Teams must deliver their true GC contender safely (and quickly) to the last 5-miles of Stage 2, where an all out top range lactate threshold to VO2Max climb - at altitude - to the line will commence. The winner will be the new (and maybe different from Stage 1, but Taylor has surprised everyone) yellow jersey wearer.
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
*** Please note the route has changed to divert around the road construction on SH 9 ***
Steamboat Springs - stage start
Arapahoe Basin - stage finish
THE ORGANIZATION
Race website: USAProCyclingChallenge.com
Twitter: @USAProChallenge
Facebook: USAProChallenge
Sponsors: Founding and Official Race Partners
THE PLACE - START, August 18th
Location of Stage 2 Start: Steamboat Ski Area base/stage
THE FUN - at the START
Events of Stage 2 in Steamboat Springs:
THE PLACE - FINISH, August 18th
Location of Stage 2 Finish: Arapahoe Basin
Shuttles to A-Basin
Please use the shuttles, parking will be limited to camping, teams, media, VIP. Shuttles will run from Keystone's River Run parking lots to A-Basin's administration lot. You can get to River Run by car or by taking the FREE Summit Stage bus from anywhere in Summit county. Go to www.summitstage.com to view the summer bus schedule.
Tuesday, August 18th, FREE shuttles will run from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and will resume after the race from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Loveland Pass reopens to traffic at 6:00pm.
THE FUN - at the FINISH
Events of Stage 2 in Arapahoe Basin: (more information)
Food tents and beverage will be available at the Festival Village. Big Screen TVs will be set up for race viewing and a free concert will entertain you while you wait for a shuttle back to River Run in Keystone.
THE ROADS
Steamboat Springs road closures
Local City roads and State Highways Impacted by Stage 2: CDOT detailed road closures all directions and exact times for USA Pro Challenge in Steamboat Springs, Kremling, Dillon to Arapahoe Basin. (select by stage tab at the left)
Road Closures for Stage 2 in town of Steamboat Springs: All downtown streets will reopen by 1AM Tuesday, August 18. Tuesday: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - rolling closure on Mt. Werner Circle, Mt. Werner Road, Pine Grove and onto Hwy. 40. Impacts will be minimal. Steamboat Springs Street Closures for USA Pro Challenge, August 15th-18th, see: SteamboatProCycling
State Highways Impacted: US 40 will be closed to through- traffic between SH 134 and Steamboat Springs (spectator traffic will be allowed to the Rabbit Ears Pass KOM until 10:30 AM. Closure/Delay Start Time: Around 8:00 AM. Re-open Time: Around 1:00 PM
Stage log / Timetable
Road Closures to Arapahoe Basin
Getting to Arapahoe Basin on race day for Stage 2 USA Pro Challenge: U.S. Highway 6/Loveland Pass is subject to close at ANY TIME. Colorado State Police will be enforcing soft closures of U.S. Highway 6 at approximately 1:30 p.m.; at that time, only shuttles and credentialed vehicles will be permitted on the highway at that time. U.S. Highway 6 will close for ALL vehicles starting at 2:30 p.m. with NO EXCEPTIONS.
Camping and Parking for Stages 2 and 4 in Summit County: USDA Forest Service
THE SPECTATOR
Here is my tip: When it comes to VIP tickets - buy quality. Quality to me equates to visibility of the true race and need. I do not buy VIP to hob-nob, except with my family who is never too pretentious to recognize "isn't this cool!" Read more at Pedal Dancer®: Should I buy a VIP ticket to the USA Pro Challenge?
Who is currently wearing the jerseys at the start of Stage 2? Look for these riders:
Yellow: Taylor Phinney (USA) BMC Racing Team
Green: Kiel Reijnen (USA) of UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team (2nd to Taylor Phinney)
Mountain: Jonathan Clarke (AUS) of United Healthcare Team
Best Young: Logan Owen (USA) of Axeon Cycling Team
Aggressive: Guillaume Boivin (MDA) of Optum-Kelly Benefit Strategies
Colorado: Alexandr Braico (MDA) of Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis (2nd to Taylor Phinney)
THE COVERAGE
TV coverage of Stage 2: Universal Sports Network
See full schedule: TV coverage for USA Pro Challenge 2015
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 Challenge: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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 ProChallenge
Pedal Dancer® recommendations for Stage 2:
Steamboat Springs
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.
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, or to the start of Stage 2 with is not in downtown, but begins at the ski resort.
Arapahoe Basin
A-Basin is one place you might want to buy ($200) VIP tickets, for two reasons: visibility and afternoon shelter from sun or rain. As you can see, the VIP tent takes up one entire side of the finish straight, with a treed hill on the other side. If this is above your price tag for fun (and it is above mine), I have more inside tips to offer for this finish:
Pedal Dancer® posts about the race in 2015:
CYCLING NEAR STAGE 2, 3, 4,
If your are riding your bike to the finish of Stage 2 and want to know where food, drink, and facilities are located on route, you will appreciate my detailed route at Ride with GPS: Loveland Pass from Dillon through Keystone and back.
I am proud to be a selected Ride with GPS Ambassador to Summit County. See my other Ride with GPS Ambassador rides near Stage 2 finish (oh yes, you could stay here all week and ride your bike):
STAGES 1-7
Stages and Host Cities for 2015 USA Pro Challenge in Colorado - MENS
THE RESULTS of STAGE 2
Stage 2 Results & GC Standings
Stage win
Brent Bookwalter ~ “I didn’t realize I had won the race until someone from my team told me,” said Bookwalter. “I was so cross-eyed (from the altitude and effort) that I wasn’t quite sure where I was for awhile. I just powered ahead.”
Photos of the race in Arapahoe Basin:
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.
What is the best way to see Stage 2 of the 2015 USA Pro Challenge as a fan? Whether you are a lover of bike racing or fun social events, Stage 2 will be a full day of mountain activity; with opportunities to ride your bike to the stage and enjoy a festive atmosphere. This easy one-page guide is intended to help locals and tourists better plan for watching Stage 2 in Steamboat Springs and Arapahoe Basin.
Please note that road closure times and exact finish times sometimes change closer to race day.
Find what you need to know about Stage 2 of the USA Pro Challenge in Steamboat Springs and Arapahoe Basin below in the following order: Stage 2 dates, key 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 18th
- Steamboat Springs Ski Resort to Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort
- Stage 2 Start time: 10:55 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.
- Stage Schedule / Log Stage 2: Expected time along the course
- Camping and Parking for Stages 2 and 4 in Summit County: USDA Forest Service
- Shuttles from Keystone River Run parking to Arapahoe Basin 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Arapahoe Basin Stage 2 Finish Festival hours: 12:00 - 5:30 pm
- LEXUS CLUB VIP Hospitality opens at 12:00 pm
- Soft road closure for vehicles to A-Basin 1:30 pm; Full closure 2:30 pm, details
- Road closures for every stage: CDOT USA Pro Challenge
- Stage 2 Finish time: approximate between 3:22-4:43 pm (3:35 expected)
- Podium Presentation, at the stage, typically 15 to 20 minutes after leaders of the stage finish
- Free concert after the stage finish at Arapahoe Basin at 5:00 pm
- Shuttles from Arapahoe Basin back to River Run in Keystone parking 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- CDOT states Loveland Pass reopens at 6:00pm
- 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
- The Race at Arapahoe Basin: arapahoebasin.com/ABasin/pro-challenge
- Look for a GC contender to try to catch the breakaway on Stage 2
 |
| Map of 2015 USA Pro Challenge Colorado |
 |
| The race is back in Steamboat Springs. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
STAGE 2 - Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin - * Mountain top finish! (sort of)
Tuesday, August 18, STAGE 2 - road race
Race Preview - Stage 2 USA Pro Challenge 2015
This should be a pleasant cool-air morning departure from Steamboat Springs ... for the first 5-miles. Then the moderate climb (to pros) of Rabbit Ears Pass will quickly stretch the peloton over the next 7-miles. By the decent over the eastern most summit of the pass - after mile 30 - we should have an idea of the established breakaway group to receive the most TV time for many miles. Things probably will not change much over Ute Pass, a moderate 4-5% climb, unless someone decides to accelerate and leave a few behind. After the underpass to Dillon the teams better be in place to give their GC contender the best chance at a Top 10 result.
Although this stage is titled as a mountain top finish, locals know this is a broad well-paved road to an established ski resort. The road actually continues up the south side of Loveland Pass (an excellent bike ride!), but Stage two will finish with a straight away into the parking lot.
Arapahoe Basin will be a fun mountain location for a stage finish. Fans should have a great time waiting for the finish by keeping an eye on the big screen TVs and participating in lots of special activities arranged for spectators. What the teams will go through, out on the road while you wait, is a entirely different story. The last 13-miles of the race could be grueling, and at the same time matter greatly to the overall race, deciding the General Classification battle for the week ahead. Teams must deliver their true GC contender safely (and quickly) to the last 5-miles of Stage 2, where an all out top range lactate threshold to VO2Max climb - at altitude - to the line will commence. The winner will be the new (and maybe different from Stage 1, but Taylor has surprised everyone) yellow jersey wearer.
 |
| A definite sign a bike race is in town! BMC Racing in all it's black and red glory. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
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
*** Please note the route has changed to divert around the road construction on SH 9 ***
- 115 Miles / 185 Kilometers / 10,078 ft of climbing
- Highlights: Rabbit Ears Pass, Sprint in Kremling and Dillon, Mountaintop finish at ABasin
- Stage 2 Route Map pdf
- Stage 2 Climb Profile pdf
- Zoom in Maps
- Sprint: Kremmling and Dillon
- KOM: Rabbit Ears Pass, Ute Pass and final climb to Arapahoe Basin
- Stage Schedule / Log Stage 2: Expected time along the course
- Rabbit Ears Pass: Max Grade 7.5%, Max elevation 9426 ft (Cat 2)
- Ute Pass: Average Grade 4.5-6%, Max elevation 9,163 ft (Cat 3), 5.3-mile descent
- Road to Arapahoe Basin: 5.1 miles, gain of 1551 ft., 5% to 7% (Cat 1)
 |
| NEW ROUTE USA Pro Challenge Stage 2 route map 2015 - Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort |
 |
| Profile map Stage 2 USA Pro Challenge 2015 |
 |
| Location of Stage 1 and Stage 2 in Steamboat. Zoom in on Map There will be a lap around central downtown, on Stage 1, before departing on the first loop. |
 |
| Zoom in on Map |
 |
| Layout of Stage 2 Start in Steamboat Springs |
 |
| Rabbit Ears Pass. Map from mybicycleroutes.com |
 |
| Road passage from Steamboat start to Keystone parking |
 |
| The key last 12+ miles of the Stage 2 climb from Dillon to Arapahoe Basin. See ride specifics on Ride with GPS |
 |
| For the last 5.1 miles, there is a gain of 1551 ft.. Gentle enough that this stage is not a pure climbers stage. But rather a stage for a powerful climber who does well on short 5% to 7% climbs. (And who has adjusted to altitude). See ride specifics on Ride with GPS |
 |
| River Run Parking, shuttle or bike to Arapahoe Basin |
 | ||
| Arapahoe Basin Pro Challenge layout, Map link |
Race website: USAProCyclingChallenge.com
Twitter: @USAProChallenge
Facebook: USAProChallenge
Sponsors: Founding and Official Race Partners
 |
| Stage 2 jersey - 2015 Buy |
 |
| Collecting signatures. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
Location of Stage 2 Start: Steamboat Ski Area base/stage
- Ski Town, U.S.A.® is also Bike Town U.S.A!
- Stages in Steamboat Springs: Stages 1 (August 17th) and Stage 2 (August 18th)
- The Race in Steamboat Springs: steamboatprocycling.com
- Calendar of Events in Steamboat Springs: August 2015
- Town websites: steamboatsprings.net
- Steamboat Springs Chamber of Commerce: steamboatchamber.com
- Camping near Steamboat: steamboatchamber.com/events-activities/activities/camping
- Steamboat Pro Cycling Facebook: facebook.com/SteamboatProCycling
- Accommodations deal 4 nights for 3: Steamboat USA Pro Cycling Challenge package:
THE FUN - at the START
Events of Stage 2 in Steamboat Springs:
- August 15 - Morning, GoRide, Citizen bike event, 25 & 50 miles, Steamboat Resort - Gondola Plaza. Register.
- August 15 - 5:00-7:00 pm *Team Presentation and Opening Ceremony*, Howelson Hill Ski Area on Howelson Parkway.
- 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
- August 17 - 10:30-5:30 pm, Stage 1 Festival of Vendors, Yampa Street
- August 17 - 11:30 am, Stage 1 Start; 3:13-4:38 pm Finish; Podium Presentation after.
- August 18 - 10:45 am, Stage 2 Start (Finish at Arapahoe Basin)
 |
| The peloton races on Hwy 9 toward Dillon. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
Location of Stage 2 Finish: Arapahoe Basin
- The Race at Arapahoe Basin: arapahoebasin.com/ABasin/pro-challenge (very excellent information!)
- Arapahoe Basin Pro Cycling Facebook: facebook.com/ArapahoeBasinSkiArea
- Local sponsors of Stage 2
- Dillon Chamber of Commerce: townofdillon.com
- Keystone Chamber of Commerce: keystonechamber.com
- Arapahoe Basin is encouraging RV and Car camping! Camping Regulations
- Camping and Parking for Stages 2, 3 and 4 in Summit County: USDA Forest Service
- Accommodations: search for hotel and condos in the cities of Keystone and Dillon
- Very important Parking Guidelines
Shuttles to A-Basin
Please use the shuttles, parking will be limited to camping, teams, media, VIP. Shuttles will run from Keystone's River Run parking lots to A-Basin's administration lot. You can get to River Run by car or by taking the FREE Summit Stage bus from anywhere in Summit county. Go to www.summitstage.com to view the summer bus schedule.
Tuesday, August 18th, FREE shuttles will run from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and will resume after the race from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Loveland Pass reopens to traffic at 6:00pm.
THE FUN - at the FINISH
Events of Stage 2 in Arapahoe Basin: (more information)
Food tents and beverage will be available at the Festival Village. Big Screen TVs will be set up for race viewing and a free concert will entertain you while you wait for a shuttle back to River Run in Keystone.
- 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.: FREE chairlift rides! (Base Area Village)
- 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Picnic games and more! (Base Area Village)
- 10:30 a.m. - Guided nature hike
- 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Stage 2 Finish Festival (located in the High Noon lot)
- 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: "Kid of the Mountain" bike race (located in the Stage 2 Finish Festival in High Noon)
- 3:34-4:00 pm - Stage 2 Finish time
- 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.: Free Concert! (Base Area Village)
- 7:00-9:30 p.m. - At COPPER MOUNTAIN, Rider's Lounge, eat and meet riders and announcers. More information.
 |
| Arapahoe Basin. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
Steamboat Springs road closures
Local City roads and State Highways Impacted by Stage 2: CDOT detailed road closures all directions and exact times for USA Pro Challenge in Steamboat Springs, Kremling, Dillon to Arapahoe Basin. (select by stage tab at the left)
Road Closures for Stage 2 in town of Steamboat Springs: All downtown streets will reopen by 1AM Tuesday, August 18. Tuesday: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - rolling closure on Mt. Werner Circle, Mt. Werner Road, Pine Grove and onto Hwy. 40. Impacts will be minimal. Steamboat Springs Street Closures for USA Pro Challenge, August 15th-18th, see: SteamboatProCycling
State Highways Impacted: US 40 will be closed to through- traffic between SH 134 and Steamboat Springs (spectator traffic will be allowed to the Rabbit Ears Pass KOM until 10:30 AM. Closure/Delay Start Time: Around 8:00 AM. Re-open Time: Around 1:00 PM
Stage log / Timetable
Road Closures to Arapahoe Basin
Getting to Arapahoe Basin on race day for Stage 2 USA Pro Challenge: U.S. Highway 6/Loveland Pass is subject to close at ANY TIME. Colorado State Police will be enforcing soft closures of U.S. Highway 6 at approximately 1:30 p.m.; at that time, only shuttles and credentialed vehicles will be permitted on the highway at that time. U.S. Highway 6 will close for ALL vehicles starting at 2:30 p.m. with NO EXCEPTIONS.
Camping and Parking for Stages 2 and 4 in Summit County: USDA Forest Service
 |
| Fans having fun along Hwy 40, cheering the race as it passed. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
- 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
- Rabbit Ears Pass
- Sprint marker in Kremling
- Town of Heeney
- Last 5 miles before Arapahoe Basin
- Arapahoe Basin Ski area
Here is my tip: When it comes to VIP tickets - buy quality. Quality to me equates to visibility of the true race and need. I do not buy VIP to hob-nob, except with my family who is never too pretentious to recognize "isn't this cool!" Read more at Pedal Dancer®: Should I buy a VIP ticket to the USA Pro Challenge?
- Buy Steamboat Springs Overall Start (finish of Stage 1), $250 (start and finish, 2 laps)
- Buy Arapahoe Basin Finish of Stage 2, $200 (Shelter, amenities)
Who is currently wearing the jerseys at the start of Stage 2? Look for these riders:
Yellow: Taylor Phinney (USA) BMC Racing Team
Green: Kiel Reijnen (USA) of UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team (2nd to Taylor Phinney)
Mountain: Jonathan Clarke (AUS) of United Healthcare Team
Best Young: Logan Owen (USA) of Axeon Cycling Team
Aggressive: Guillaume Boivin (MDA) of Optum-Kelly Benefit Strategies
Colorado: Alexandr Braico (MDA) of Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis (2nd to Taylor Phinney)
 |
| Young fans at the race in Steamboat Springs in 2011. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
TV coverage of Stage 2: Universal Sports Network
See full schedule: TV coverage for USA Pro Challenge 2015
| Stage 2 | - 08/18/2015 | 2:00 PM | (MDT) LIVE |
| Stage 2 | - 08/18/2015 | 7:00 PM | (MDT) 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 Challenge: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
 |
| Brad Sohner and Dave Towle busy announcing the race. 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 ProChallenge
Pedal Dancer® recommendations for Stage 2:
Steamboat Springs
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.
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, or to the start of Stage 2 with is not in downtown, but begins at the ski resort.
- Tip#1: show up at least 1.5 hours before the stage start (10:45 am) to see the riders near their teams buses. Some riders might be cycling to the start of today's stage, rather then driving, but all riders must sign-in at the stage. This is a good time to hear Dave and Brad briefly interview some of the riders.
- Tip #2: bring something to autograph (and two sharpies!), just in case you catch a rider at a team bus or on his way to or from the sing-in stage.
- Tip #3: Use your Tour Tracker app, or bring a print out of he startlist, so you can identify a rider by his dossard (bib number). Read more about dossards: Word of the Day: Dossard by Pedal Dancer®.
- Tip #4: If you like VIP treatment, buy a VIP ticket to the finish of Stage 1 the day before, rather than the start of Stage 2 (sorry race organizers, I need to tell it like it is).
- Tip #5: If you plan to chase the race to Arapahoe Basin, think about easy exit before you park your car at the start. Within 15-minutes, all team and race vehicles will have moved out. It is a 2 hr 25 min drive from Steamboat Springs to A-Basin via Hwy 131 and I-70 through Avon and Vail. If you do not stop at all, you should arrive by1:30-2:00pm at Keystone. The last shuttles leave Keystone's River Run parking lots by 2:15 or so (approximate). The road closes to ALL vehicles at 2:30pm. Return shuttle runs again from A-Basin to Keystone from 6:00-10:00 pm. the distance between Keystone and A-Basin is 6.6 miles.
- Tip #6: I would bring my bike! Upon arriving in Keystone, I would park and ride the 6.6 miles up the hill (you won't need lycra for this ride). After the stage I am free to coast down to my car anytime I like.
 |
| Identifying the rider under that helmet and sunglasses, or special national champion jersey. Eric Marcotte and Frank Schleck in 2014. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
A-Basin is one place you might want to buy ($200) VIP tickets, for two reasons: visibility and afternoon shelter from sun or rain. As you can see, the VIP tent takes up one entire side of the finish straight, with a treed hill on the other side. If this is above your price tag for fun (and it is above mine), I have more inside tips to offer for this finish:
- Tip #1: Go down the road 200m - 500m (west) from the finish line, there will be a small bunch finish to the line and you will get a feel for who will win the stage just meters away, with an easier view.
- Tip #2: Then you will have an easy walk to the stage, to get a good spot to see the podium presentation, which happens 15-20 minutes after the finish.
- Tip #3: If you are not able to get a good view of the finish - the riders will pile up after the finish line (grey area above, marked 'media tents') where their soigneurs will greet them with drinks and towels, etc. This can be good people watching and your best chance to see the riders up close (and see the effort on their faces after the climb). Once this care phase is over the riders will go up the road to their buses marked by 'team parking' on the map above. Generally once they step onto their bus you will not see them again. Showers, meals and massage are a priority for recovery.
- Tip #4: Bring an RV or car camp. There is fantastic (!) bike riding (and hiking) in this area, it is a perfect opportunity to behave like those mad fans of the Tour de France who camp out overnight awaiting the stage; only A-Basin has all kinds of fun activities to welcome spectators including a 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - FREE CONCERT! (Base Area Village), the night before, August 17th.
- Tip #5: If you are deciding between a VIP ticket at A-Basin or Breckenridge, and like bike racing, I would definitely buy Stage 2 Finish VIP. Look at that long tent set up at the finish; in Breckenridge the VIP tent sits adjacent to the finish and is mostly a meet-n-greet space.
- Tip #6: If you are in Summit County and only seeing the finish of Stage 2 - I would highly recommend cycling from Lake Dillon though Keystone, or from Frisco, Copper or Breckenridge over Swan Mountain to the stage finish at A-Basin. For more information on cycling in Summit County near stages 2 and 3, please see the Pedal Dancer® Guide Page: SUMMIT COUNTY CYCLING
- Tip #7: Ride up Loveland Pass before the stage. I would bring a backpack (I use musette bags) with a tshirt shorts/skirt, flip flops and a hat, to change into after my ride. (If you have a VIP pass, they might even hold your bag for you while you ride up the pass, or you can ditch it behind a tree). You'll have your rain jacket (of course!) and food and drink will be available for purchase at the ski area. For more information on the ride up Loveland Pass, please see the Pedal Dancer® Guide Page: COLORADO CLIMBS.
- Tip #8: Stay to enjoy free concerts between 5:30-10:00 pm at Arapahoe Basin.
 |
| The view of A-Basin from the road to Loveland. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
- 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?
- Exact route maps of USA Pro Challenge 2015 Announced
- Host Cities for 2015 USA Pro Challenge
- 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
 |
| The beautiful view across Lake Dillon. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
If your are riding your bike to the finish of Stage 2 and want to know where food, drink, and facilities are located on route, you will appreciate my detailed route at Ride with GPS: Loveland Pass from Dillon through Keystone and back.
I am proud to be a selected Ride with GPS Ambassador to Summit County. See my other Ride with GPS Ambassador rides near Stage 2 finish (oh yes, you could stay here all week and ride your bike):
- Summit County East to West - Loveland Pass to Vail Pass
- Breckenridge around Lake Dillon to Keystone loop
- Montezuma from Frisco over Swan Mountain and back
- Loveland Pass from Dillon through Keystone and back
- Copper Triangle Traditional (Vail Pass last)
- Frisco Marina to Vail Village and back
- Frisco Marina to East Vail and back
- Vail Pass from Frisco through Copper Mountain
- More of my rides here: ridewithgps.com/users/234376
- SUMMIT COUNTY CYCLING
- COLORADO CLIMBS
- COLORADO CYCLING
- So you want to tour Colorado on a bicycle?
- Recommended Road Bike Rides Near Vail, Colorado
- Recommended Road Bike Rides Near Aspen, Colorado
- Recommended Road Bike Rides Near Steamboat Springs
 |
| Mavic support vehicles. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® |
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
- 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 2
Stage 2 Results & GC Standings
Stage win
- First – Brent Bookwalter (USA) of BMC Racing Team
- Second – Rohan Dennis (AUS) of BMC Racing Team
- Third – Hugh Carthy (GBR) of Caja Rural-Seguros RGA
- Brent Bookwalter (USA) BMC Racing Team - Smashburger Leader Jersey
- Taylor Phinney (USA) of BMC Racing Team - Lexus Sprint Jersey
- Will Routley (CAN) of Optum P/B Kelly Benefit Strategies - Sierra Nevada King of the Mountains Jersey
- Hugh Carthy (GBR) of Caja Rural-Seguros RGA - Colorado State University Best Young Rider Jersey
- Nathan Brown (USA) of Team Cannondale-Garmin - FirstBank Most Aggressive Rider Jersey
- Alexandr Braico (MDA) of Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis - Edward Jones Best Colorado Rider Jersey
Brent Bookwalter ~ “I didn’t realize I had won the race until someone from my team told me,” said Bookwalter. “I was so cross-eyed (from the altitude and effort) that I wasn’t quite sure where I was for awhile. I just powered ahead.”
Photos of the race in Arapahoe Basin:
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.