Spring is in the air - routes and guide for The Classics

One-Day Classics Schedule for 2016

When I am asked what or where my favorite bike races are held, I smile with great sentiment and excitement and always respond, "Oh, the Classics, the cobbles!". Without a doubt the classics are the most grueling test of man and his bike against the elements. Sure cycling is a team sport, but the classics are the hardest races to predict because most often they come down one day, and the will of one man on that one day.

Like many cycling fans I have large gaps in my interest. For me the real cycling season is the spring, then a gap before the Tour of California and Giro, and another before the Tour de France, and finally a long wait until cyclocross season and watching Worlds. In between, I believe it is best to get and and do it yourself.

For now, even with the fresh layer of snowfall in Denver, Colorado today, Spring is in the air. Read more about the races, where to watch the spring classics livestream, route maps and distances. Enjoy this extensive guide to the Spring Classics. More can be found here: Pedal Dancer® Guide Page to the Spring Classics.

ABOUT THE BIGGEST RACES OF THEM ALL

The Monuments:

• Milano-Sanremo (Italy)
• Tour of Flanders (Belgium)
• Paris-Roubaix (France)
• Liège–Bastogne–Liège (Belgium)
• Il Lombardia (Italy)

Nicknames for the Classics:

• Paris-Roubaix = Queen of the Classics (La Reine), The Hell of the North, La Pascale
• Amstel Gold = [no nickname]
• La Fleche-Wallonne = The Walloon Arrow
• Liege-Bastogne-Liege = La Doyenne (the oldest/old lady)
• Milan-San Remo = La Primavera (the spring), Sprinters' Classic, La Classicissima
• Ronde van Vlaanderen = Flanders' most beautiful (Vlaanderens mooiste)
• Paris-Nice = Race to the Sun
• Tirreno-Adriatico = Race of the two Seas
• Il Lombardia = Race of the Falling Leaves

You are on pavé. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

THE SPRING CLASSICS

Spring Classics = Milan-San Remo + Cobbled Classics + Ardennes Classics

La Primavera

• Milano-Sanremo (Italy)

Cobbled Classics:

• Omloop Het Nieuwsblad (Belgium)
• Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne (Belgium)
• Dwars door Vlaanderen (Belgium)
• E3 Harelbeke  (Belgium)
• Ghent-Wevelgem  (Belgium)
• Tour of Flanders  (Belgium)
• Scheldeprijs (Belgium)
• Paris-Roubaix  (France)

*The most prestigious cobbled classics races are Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders. E3 Harelbeke and Ghent-Wevelgem are also revered, with E3 Harelbeke now being the tougher of the later two.

Ardennes Classics:

• Amstel Gold  (The Netherlands)
• La Flèche Wallonne (Belgium)
• Liège–Bastogne–Liège (Belgium)

Sculpture and Pond at t'Zand square Bruges on Tour of Flanders race day. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

SEEING THE CLASSICS AS A FAN

For an American, the cobbled climbs of the Spring Classics can be hard to understand or appreciate, I certainly didn't understand them until I went and saw them for myself. The climbs aren't that long and don't appear that steep on TV, but trying to acheive and maintain momentum up these climbs is super hard. The cobbles are big, the ruts wide, the camber uneven, the pace unnervingly slow, the conditions often slick and the outcome somewhat unknown.

The approach onto these short cobbled sections often transition around a corner from pavement onto the harsh cobbles, and then suddenly after an excruciating effort, back onto fast smooth tarmac. The passage is narrow and you never know if there will be a crash or pile up ahead; being at the front is crucial. The top of any cobbled climb feels like a tremendous accomplishment. As a spectator, being anywhere near these climbs on race day is exhilarating.

If you are a first time visitor, you might consider joining a tour company. I planned and made the trip solo and had one of the best cyclist tourist trips I have completed. I loved the blend of culture, food, beer, getting lost, exploring the climbs, war memorials, meeting new friends and happily discovering why Belgium is the heartland of cycling. 

The start (bottom) of the Paterberg looks pleasant enough, but wait, it get's steep fast. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

And don't forget about the beer!

The endless choice of delicious beers in Belgium. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

And the food!

Yum, pies and torts in Belgium. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

And the frites! A must - walking the streets of Bruges with frites en (Andalouse) mayo. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

---

2016

The classics demonstrate the true beauty of bike racing - they are hard, unknown glory at its best. Here is a list of the classics by date.

One-Day Classics Schedule for 2016 - race dates and links to official race websites.

February 2016
27 February 2016: Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, BELGIUM, UCI European Tour 1.HC
28 February 2016: Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne, BELGIUM UCI European Tour 1.HC

March 2016
5 March 2016: Strade Bianche, ITALY, UCI European Tour 1.HC
19 March 2016: Milano - Sanremo, ITALY, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT
23 March 2016: Dwars door Vlaanderen BELGIUM, UCI European Tour 1.HC
25 March 2016: E3 Harelbeke, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT
27 March 2016: Ghent - Wevelgem in Flanders Fields, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT

April 2016
3 April 2016: Ronde van Vlaanderen / Tour des Flandres, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT
6 April 2016: Scheldeprijs, BELGIUM UCI European Tour 1.HC
10 April 2016: Paris - Roubaix, FRANCE, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT
17 April 2016: Amstel Gold Race, NETHERLANDS, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT
20 April 2016: La Flèche Wallonne, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT
24 April 2016: Liège - Bastogne - Liège, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT

HOW TO WATCH THE SPRING CLASSICS FROM THE USA

My tip is to discover your best option before race day (or slightly before the finish!). Your access to each race will be a bit different and video is often geo-restricted. The options below will list the start and estimated race finish times, a definite help for early risers in the USA. Begin your search for coverage here:

• Steephill.TV: the top of the page lists current race news, the side column (desktop) has a neat and tidy box with the Classics links.
• Cycling Fans: most current race live coverage is listed at the top of the page
• ProCyclingLive: latest links in the center of page.
• Cycling TV: Live and on demand subscription required. 
• NBC Sports Live Extra cycling depending on your TV cable company.  
• NBC Sports Live Extra Mobile App, download in the App Store or the Google Play store. You’ll need a cable provider log-in to watch. 
• CyclingHub.TV: for some you might want to try this livestream site.
• Twitter: search for a link by race name offered by other fans.    

Tip: I purchased a 3-month subscription to Cycling.TV, but I also pull up a Sporza link from Belgium (via Steephill.TV). I like to also watch the local Belgian coverage and the interviews after the race.  In addition I follow along on the live text coverage on CyclingNews.com

You will see far more on TV, but being there is person is a thrill!

Chasing the cobbled climbs included in the classics is an easy place to get lost. The famed cobbled sections included in a number of the races are mere stretches of hard rock in the beautiful countryside of Belgium. 

Location of Kwaremont and Paterberg pave sections, near Kerkhove, Belgium. Map by Pedal Dancer®

Such beautiful countryside to pedal through. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

WHO WILL WIN THE CLASSICS?

Similar names appear each year depending on the terrain of the course and whether short punchy climbs are involved, or long powerful distances are to be raced. Members of team Etixx-Quick Step stands like gods in Belgium, but Team Sky is serious in their preparation, so too is team BMC. This year look for these names to be on the podiums:

Greg Van Avermaet, Ian Stannard, Tom Boonen, Fabian Canellara, Peter Sagan, Mark Cavendish, Marcel Kittel, Michal Kwiatkowski, Luke Rowe, Tony Martin, Alexander Kristoff, Nikki Terpstra. The Ardennes classics are typically won by strong climbers such as Alejandro Valverde, Simon Gerrans, Sylvain Chavenel or Philippe Gilbert. 

Leading into the 2016 spring races, John Degenkolb is injured; Andre Greipel is injured. Mark Cavendish's new team, Dimension Data, has not received a wild card invitation to defend his 2015 title at Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne 2016. Geraint Thomas is focusing on stage racing. But look out for the strong presence of Tony Martin, new to the cobbled classics. 

---

Lion of Flanders. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

SPRING CLASSICS ROUTE MAPS FOR 2016


2016 Omloop Het Niewuwsblad route map
27 February 2016: Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, BELGIUM, UCI European Tour 1.HC

Start city: Gent
Finish city: Gent
Distance:  200,8 km
Type of race: cobbled classic

Parcours: interactive road map
Road map: oomloop 2016 elite men roads
Timetable: oomloop 2016 elite men timetable

List of cobbles and bergs/helling: itinéraire

Who won is 2015?:  Ian Stannard (SKY)
Who won is 2016?:  Greg Van Avermaet (BMC)

Greg Van Avermaet in Kortrijk. Photo by Pedal Dancer®

Omloop Het Niewuwsblad 2016 route map

2016 Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne route map
28 February 2016: Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne, BELGIUM UCI European Tour 1.HC

Start city: Kuurne
Finish city: Kuurne
Distance: 200,7 km
Type of race: sprinter's classic

Parcours: interactive road map
Road map and timetable: elite men roads (on page)

List of cobbles and bergs/helling: itinéraire

Who won is 2015?:  Mark Cavendish (Etixx-Quick Step)
Who won is 2016?:

Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne route map

2016 Strade Bianca route map
5 March 2016: Strade Bianche, ITALY, UCI European Tour 1.HC

Start city: Siena
Finish city: Siena
Distance: 176 km
Type of race: white gravel

Route map: Parcours (on page)
Timetable: Altimetria (on page)

Who won is 2015?:  Zdenek Stybar (Etixx - Quick Step)
Who won is 2016?: 

Strade Bianca 2016 route map

2016 Milan San Remo route map
19 March 2016: Milano - Sanremo, ITALY, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT

Start city: Milano
Finish city: Sanremo
Distance: ~293 km
Type of race: sprinter's classic

Route mao: planimetria (details not yet published)
Profile map: altrimetria
Timetable: cronotabella

Who won is 2015?:  John Degenkolb (Giant - Alpecin)
Who won is 2016?: 

Milan San Remo route map 2016

2016 Dwars door Vlaanderen route map
23 March 2016: Dwars door Vlaanderen BELGIUM, UCI European Tour 1.HC

Start city: Meensesteenweg
Finish city: Verbindingsweg Waregem
Distance: 199,7 km
Type of race: cobbled classic

Parcours: interactive course map
Profile: Elite Men Profile
Road map: Elite Men Roads
Timetable: Elite Men Time table
Teams: pro teams

Who won is 2015?:  Jelle Wallays (Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise)
Who won is 2016?:

Dwars door Vlaanderen route map 2016

The final stretch of climb up the Kwaremont on a quiet day.  ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

2016 E3 Harelbeke route map, (the bergs in E3)
25 March 2016: E3 Harelbeke, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT

Start city: Harelbeke
Finish city: Aankomst
Distance: 206 km
Type of race: cobbled classic
@E3Harelbeke

Parcours: interactive course map and Record Bank E3 Harelbeke - World Tour Elite - Roads and Traffic
Road map: Record Bank E3 Harelbeke - World Tour Elite - Detail
Teams: pro teams
Highlighted bergs: climbs

Who won is 2015?:  Geraint Thomas (Sky)
Who won is 2016?: 

E3 Harelbeke route map 2016

This is Tour of Flanders country (Ronde van Vlaanderen). ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

2016 Gent - Wevelgem route map
27 March 2016: Gent - Wevelgem in Flanders Fields, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT

Start city: Gent
Finish city: Wevelgem
Distance: 242,8 km
Type of race: sprinter's classic

Parcours: interactive course map
Road map: gw2016-elite-men-roadmap-v2.pdf
Timetable: gw2016-elite-men-timetable (1).pdf
Teams: Pro teams
List of bergs/helling: on itinerary 
Trivia: 48 of the past 60 races have been won by a Belgian.

Who won is 2015?: Luca Paolini (Katusha)
Who won is 2016?:  

Gent - Wevelgem route map 2016

Strolling the streets of Ghent. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

2016 Tour of Flanders route map
3 April 2016: Ronde van Vlaanderen / Tour des Flandres, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT

Start city: Bruges
Finish city: Oudenaarde
Distance: 255 km
Type of race: cobbled classic

Parcours: interactive course map
The bergs
Road Map: rvv2016-elite-men-roadmap.pdf
Timetable: rvv2016-elite-men-timetable.pdf 
Teams: Pro teams

Who won is 2015?:  Alexander Kristoff (Katusha)
Who won is 2016?: 

Tour of Flanders route map 2016

Practice day on the Kwaremont pre Tour of Flanders race day. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

2016 Schedldeprijs route map
6 April 2016: Scheldeprijs, BELGIUM UCI European Tour 1.HC

Start city: Antwerpen
Finish city: Schoten
Distance: 207,8 km
Type of race: sprinter's / cobbled classic

Parcours: interactive course map
Road Map: sp2016-elite-men-roadmapV20feb.pdf
Timetable: sp2016-elite-men-timetable V20feb.pdf
Teams: Pro teams

Who won is 2015?:  Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) 
Who won is 2016?: 

2016 Schedldeprijs route map

Antwerpen

2016 Paris-Roubaix route map
10 April 2016: Paris - Roubaix, FRANCE, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT

Start city: Compiègne
Finish city: Roubaix
Distance: ~ 253 km
Type of race: cobbled classic

Pro Teams for 2016: participants
Route map: the official 2016 Paris-Roubaix parcours map has not yet been released.

The route of the 2016 Paris-Roubaix, which will be held on Sunday April 10, will include 27 cobble sectors over 52.8kms (32.81 miles) of cobblestones. The “Trouée d'Arenberg”, the Mons-en-Pévèle sector and the “Carrefour de l'Arbre” will be included in the 2016 p parcours. The uphill climb of Hameau du Buat will be featured in 2016. One hundred metres has been added to the length of the race in 2016. The total distance will be a grueling 257.5kms (160 miles).

Who won is 2015?:  John Degenkolb (Giant - Alpecin)
Who won is 2016?: 

The velodrome on Roubaix where the Paris-Roubaix race finishes. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

2016 Amstel-Gold route map
17 April 2016: Amstel Gold Race, NETHERLANDS, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT

Start City: Maastricht
Finish City: Valkenburg
Distance:
Type of race: Ardennes classic

Who won is 2015?:  Michal Kwiatkowski (Etixx-Quick Step)
Who won is 2016?: 

The exact parcours of the 2016 Amstel Gold has not yet been released.

Maastricht

Ardennes Classics:

• Amstel Gold  (The Netherlands) 
• La Flèche Wallonne (Belgium)
• Liège–Bastogne–Liège (Belgium)

Winners of the Classics in 2015

2015 Trofeo-Laigueglia - Winner: Davide Cimolai (Lampre-Merida)
2015 Omloop Het Nieuw - Winner: Ian Stannard (SKY)
2015 Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne - Winner: Mark Cavendish (Etixx-Quick Step)
2015 Le Samyn - Winner: Kris Boeckmans (Lotto Soudal)
2015 Strade Bianche - Winner:  Zdenek Stybar (Etixx - Quick Step) 
2015 Milan-San Remo - Winner: John Degenkolb (Giant - Alpecin)
2015 Dwars d Vlaanderen - Winner: Jelle Wallays (Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise)
2015 E3 - Harelbeke - Winner: Geraint Thomas (Sky)
2015 Gent-Wevelgem - Winner: Luca Paolini (Katusha) 
2015 Tour of Flanders - Winner: Alexander Kristoff (Katusha)
2015 Scheldeprijs - Winner: Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) 
2015 Paris-Roubaix - Winner: John Degenkolb (Giant - Alpecin)
2015 De Brabantse Pijl - Winner: Ben Hermans (BMC) 
2015 Amstel Gold - Michal Kwiatkowski (Etixx-Quick Step)
2015 La Flèche Wallonne - Winner: Alejandro Valverde (Movistar)
2015 Liège-Bastogne-Liège - Winner: Alejandro Valverde (Movistar)
2015 San Sebastian - Winner: Adam Yates (Orica GreenEDGE)
2015 GP Cycliste Québec - Winner: Rigoberto Uran Uran (Etixx Quickstep)
2015 GP Cycliste Montreal - Winner: Tim Wellens (Lotto Soudal)
2015 Il Lombardia - Winner: Vincenzo Nibali (Astana)

A landmark at the entrance to the Koppenberg climb. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

Recommended Listen: The Cycling Podcast HTC Highroad

Recommending a Cycling Podcast on an old favorite team.  

I am a big fan of The Cycling Podcast out of Britain. You might know them as The Telegraph Cycling Podcast supported by Jaguar, when during the month of July, Richard Moore, Lionel Birnie and Daniel Friebe cover the Tour de France daily from the road. Today the trio released a special hour and a half podcast episode entirely on the topic of the old USA pro team Columbia HTC-Highroad. In differing name configurations, the power-team existed from 2007 to 2011 before folding due to lack of major sponsorship.

I thought you might enjoy a look back at a blog post I wrote in October 2011, with a stroll down memory lane photo collection: Remembering HTC Highroad

American Bob Stapleton was a man before his time. A team owner who was clearly respected in the close-knit community of cycling and yet had his issues with relationships. Whenever I spotted Bob at races, riders and staff from all teams would halt whatever it was they were doing to extend a handshake. It was moving to witness, especially after his team had folded. In a era when cycling was being torn apart Bob Stapleton could unite. And yet the "team of the century" - as The Cycling Podcast appointed it's title - disbanded.

In 2011, I collected a collage of photographs from chasing races and cheering on my favorite team. Looking back at these old photographs and knowing now what became of the riders and staff members, I completely agree - Highroad was the team of the century. With their approach to marketing, communications, working business model, team ethos, code of conduct, team planning and scouting players, the team was an incubator for the best riders and staff in the world of cycling. Team members are now scattered throughout the peloton.

Team names: Team High Road (2007), Team Columbia (2008), Team Columbia-High Road (2009), Team Columbia-HTC (2009), Team HTC-Columbia (2010), HTC-Highroad (2011).

Key Riders: Mark Cavendish, Bernhard Eisel, Matthew Goss, Mark Renshaw, John Degenkolb, André Greipel, Edvald Boasson Hagen, Tony Martin, Hayden Roulston, Tejay van Garderen, George Hincapie, Peter Velits, Martin Velits, Marco Pinotti, Danny Pate, Craig Lewis, Matt Brammeier, Michael Albasini, Lars Bak, Adam Hansen, Leigh Howard, Michael Rogers, Greg Henderson, Michael Barry, Maxine Monfort, Marcus Berghardt, Thomas Löfkvist, Linus Gerdemann, Marcel Sieberg, Bert Grabsch, Kanstantsin Sivtsov, Servais Knaven, Andreas Klier, Kim Kirchen, Roger Hammond and Bradley Wiggins!

Staff members now spread into the cycling community: Bob Stapleton, Allan Peiper, Rolf Aldag, Brian Holm, Valerio Piva, Jan Schaffrath, Olaf Ludwig, Walter Godefroot, Eddy Vandenhecke, Luuc Eisenga, Marco Pinotti, Servais Knaven.

If you have been a fan of cycling for a decade or more, like myself, rereading these names is like realizing I was honored to watch the very best in the sport compete on one team at the dawning of a new age. Only Tom Boonen, Fabian Cancellara and Chris Froome existed for me outside this dream world. Many of the riders in the peloton have HTC-Highroad to thank for their now high salaries.

Highroad was the team that inspired me to keep my attention on the sport when I was disgusted by Lance Armstrong and doping scandals. Highroad was a new kind of team. For me, this was the team bus to find at any race.

HTC-Highroad team bus, 2010 in the USA
©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Episode 2 | The Rise and Demise of HTC-High Road, The Team of the Century

Weekly you may listen to the newest edition of the standard The Cycling Podcast, but eleven times a year the trio of Richard, Lionel and Daniel dive deeper to investigate one relevant cycling topic. You will need to sign up as a Friend of the podcast to hear the special editions. I have been a friend and can attest it is absolutely worth the $14 to join (via a quick and simple secure paypal process).

Join Friends of the podcast 2016
Cost: £10 or $14.33 (in Feb 2016), just $1.30 an episode; the best dog walking entertainment I know of! You will also want to sign up for the email news blast to know when the latest episode is available. Once you join, you have several choices on how to listen. I wait for the email announcement to arrive, click the link and eagerly listen on my iphone. Join now (link), support three investigative cycling journalists.

Whatever you think you knew about the inner workings of this team, you will discover far more by listening to the podcast. My favorite quote: Ralph Aldag, "Do you remember that jersey... ah, I was crying when I first saw it."

Bradley Wiggins didn't appear too thrilled with the first jersey and its cartoon style font.

LOOK AT OLD PHOTOS OF THE TEAM

Again enjoy a look back at some old photos taken of team Highroad on the continent and in Europe: Pedal Dancer® Remembering HTC Highroad

Remember when Neal Rogers used to report daily from the Tour de France and could never remember what stage it was or where they were? Remember when George Hincapie was the team captain teaching the young guns like Mark Cavendish? Here are George Hincapie and Neal Rogers together at the 2008 Dauphine Libere in France.

George Hincapie and Neal Rogers at the 2008 Dauphine Libere in France
©Photo by Mike Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

A very young Mark Cavendish in France.

Mark Cavendish at the 2008 Dauphine Libere
©Photo by Mike Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

A very young Tony Martin. I had to check his jersey number twice, the powerful ITT whiz kid Tony Martin standing before me appeared half the size in real life.

Tony Martin 2010 Tour of California in Palmdale, CA
©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

I was still so green I had to ask which Velits brother this was. Peter.

Peter Velits warming up for the Solvang ITT 2011 Amgen Tour of California
©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

This was the moment I remember first becoming a fan of Matt Goss, when I saw what he could do in a leadout train. Remember the HTC Highroad leadouts? You don't see that anymore.

Matt Goss in Paso Robles, CA, at the 2011 Amgen Tour of California
©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

A barefoot Bernhard Eisel relaxing in the hot California Sun.

Bernie barefoot in Solvang, California pre race.
©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

I still wear Columbia clothing products to this day because of the team. The team also introduced Americans to the latest greatest bikes; which every local bike racing team wanted for themselves:

Scott bikes (I had one).

Mark Cavendish's old Scott bike at the 2010 Tour de France
©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

Specialized bikes (I wanted one). When the Venge, SL-4, and SHIV bikes became all the rage with local bike racers and cyclists.

Matt Goss's Specialized Venge 2011
©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

Bernhard Eisel and his Specialized Shiv Time Trial bike
©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

See more photos from running around after this team as a fan:  Remembering HTC Highroad

Of course I had to finish this blog post with a photo of Bernie! The worst effect when team Highroad closed is that I had to travel to Europe to see many of my favorite riders race again. In 2012 I returned to France to chase the Tour de France.

Bob Stapleton is now Chairman of USA Cycling (bio). His bio states he founded High Road Sports, Inc., a sports management company that owned and operated Team HTC-Highroad, in 2005, He is a director of World Triathlon Corporation, as well as an adviser for leading private equity firms. He has an MBA from Cal Berkeley, he was born and resides in California.

Ride the Rockies 2016 Route Announced

It's the perfect route - Carbondale to Fort Collins

Get ready to train with purpose, ride hard and enjoy the beautiful mountains of Colorado. Tonight the route of the 2016 The Denver Post Ride the Rockies presented by Viawest (RTR) was announced. Organizers have created a fine tour this year with a dream route that will prove to be very popular. Registration is now open for the June 12-17th tour with 2000 lottery spots available.

Host cities for 2016 include: Carbondale, Aspen, Copper Mountain, Grand Lake, Estes Park, and Fort Collins. This will be the first time Grand Lake will host Ride the Rockies.

Highlights for 2016 include, in order: Missouri Heights, Rio Grande Trail, Independence Pass, Fremont Pass, Tennessee Pass, Red Cliff Bridge, Battle Mountain, Vail Pass, Ute Pass, Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Devils Gulch and Horsetooth Reservoir.

Ride the Rockies affords road cyclists an opportunity to ride a route in quick succession that would otherwise be near impossible without support. I have been fortunate to ride every climb and road on this year's route - although it took me many years to get it done piecemeal. I promise you, this year's route is special.

If you have been wanting to visit Colorado to ride a bike, now would be the time. Tonight at the announcement party I met a woman who had ridden twenty-four Ride the Rockies and a man who was hoping to ride his first. You will meet all types and ages out on the roads of Colorado. Next week I will share with you, comments from a number of the enthusiastic guests at tonight's Ride the Rockies announcement party. For now here is the route:

2016 Ride the Rockies Route - point to point

DAY 1, Sunday, June 12, 2016 - Carbondale to Aspen, 50 miles, +4253ft
DAY 2, Monday, June 13, 2016 - Aspen to Copper Mountain, 85 miles, +7655ft
DAY 3, Tuesday, June 14, 2016 - Copper Mountain to Copper Mountain, 79 miles, +6537ft
DAY 4, Wednesday, June 15, 2016 - Copper Mountain to Grand Lake, 85 miles, +3939ft
DAY 5, Thursday, June 16, 2016 - Grand Lake to Estes Park, 49 miles, +4636ft
DAY 6, Friday, June 17, 2016 - Estes Park to Fort Collins, 55 miles, +2762ft

6-day 403 mile route of the 2016 Ride the Rockies in Colorado

Quick Facts about the 2016 Ride the Rockies tour:

• 6-days (no rest day)
• 403 miles and 29,782’ elevation gain
• Website & registration: www.ridetherockies.com
• Ride the Rockies 2016 lottery registration dates: Sunday, February 7, 2016; 12:00 a.m. – Sunday, February 28, 2016; 5:00 p.m. MST. Notifications will be sent out on March 4, 2016.
• Tour Cost (registration only): $5 lottery fee + $495 
• Included in registration fee: sag support, basic camping, showers, transportation of one 70lb bag, shuttle services, aid stations, medical support, water bottle, jersey, entrance into Rocky Mountain National Park, free concerts & entertainment, mechanics, bike or wheel demos.
• Services provided for a fee: parking, bike & luggage shipping, sherpa camping, food trucks along the route, your own support vehicle, refunds with limitations. 
• Read more about the logistics

2016 Ride the Rockies Tour (7-days)

START CITY: Carbondale, Colorado

DAY 1, Sunday, June 12, 2016 - Carbondale to Aspen, 50 miles, +4253ft, 3 Aid Stations

Route map - Day 1 Ride the Rockies 2016

DAY 2, Monday, June 13, 2016 - Aspen to Copper Mountain, 85 miles, +7655ft, 6 aid stations

• Independence Pass
• Fremont Pass

Route map - Day 2 Ride the Rockies 2016

DAY 3, Tuesday, June 14, 2016 - Copper Mountain to Copper Mountain, 79 miles, +6537ft, 3 aid stations

• Traditional Copper Triangle route

Route map - Day 3 Ride the Rockies 2016

DAY 4, Wednesday, June 15, 2016 - Copper Mountain to Grand Lake, 85 miles, +3939ft, 6 aid stations

• Ute Pass

Route map - Day 4 Ride the Rockies 2016

DAY 5, Thursday, June 16, 2016 - Grand Lake to Estes Park, 49 miles, +4636ft, 3 aid stations

• Trail Ridge Road

Route map - Day 5 Ride the Rockies 2016

DAY 6, Friday, June 17, 2016 - Estes Park to Fort Collins, 55 miles, +2762ft, 4 aid stations

Route map - Day 6 Ride the Rockies 2016

FINISH CITY: Fort Collins, Colorado


2016 Ride the Rockies Prologue Ride (2-days) 

Jun 10-12, 2016 - Aspen, Colorado. 47 miles, +3632ft. $2500, first come first serve (no lottery). Come ride with the pros - Ted King, Tim Johnson, Ron Kiefel, Nelson Vails and more. Think of the prologue as a top-notch local bike tour prior to your week (guaranteed lottery entry) of Ride the Rockies. Read more about the RTR Prologue.

Ride the Rockies Prologue route map 2016

If you arrive into Carbondale area a day or two early, consider these bike rides highlighted in one of my earlier posts: Pedal Dancer® Recommended Road Bike Rides Near Aspen.

Read more information and facts about the climbs by Pedal Dancer® Colorado Climbs

Colorado and National Bike Race Calendar List 2016

List of 2016 Cycling Races in Colorado - Road Race, Criterium, Hill Climbs, Time Trials, Mountain Bike Races, Fat Bike Races, Collegiate, Track, Mid-week and Stage Races. With National, World Championship, and Pro Race Schedules.

The annual Pedal Dancer® bike race calendar list has been created to encourage you to get out and either race or attend as a fan. On this page you will find race dates and links for the 2016 Colorado and National bike racing season. For more information on race licenses and race rules, please visit: BRAC or USACycling.

With a limited supply of criteriums and road races, opportunities to race a mountain bike in Colorado continue to grow. The USA Pro Challenge pro tour will NOT return to Colorado in 2016, although there is hope for a return in 2017 under new sponsorship, structure, and possibly location. 

Below is a list of bike races and camps. For the Pedal Dancer® bike event calendar list of cycling events and bike rides in Colorado not requiring USACycling or BRAC race licenses and including century bike rides, charity bike rides, multi-day bike rides and many other bike events for the 2016 season - please transfer to the Pedal Dancer® blog post: 2016 Colorado Cycling Events and Bike Rides Calendar List.

I have peppered this calendar list with my own photography taken during 2015 at the pro races. I love bike photography!

© Copyright content of this post by Karen Rakestraw / Pedal Dancer® is a trademark for all online content. ©All Photos by Karen Rakestraw.

Road Bike Races in Colorado

Colorado Road Bike Races  (race flyers and websites will be added as made available)

March 5, 2016 - Frostbite Time Trial, Fort Collins 
March 6, 2016 - University of Denver Criterium, City Park in Denver
March 27, 2016 - Oredigger Classic - Lookout Mountain ITT/Hillclimb, Golden
March 27, 2016 - Oredigger Classic - Criterium, Golden CANCELLED
April 2, 2016 - Louisville Criterium 2016 Website
April 2, 2016 - USAFA Criterium Front Range Classic Race Flyer
April 3, 2016 - USAFA Road Race Front Range Classic Race Flyer
April 9, 2016 - Buff Gold TT/ITT & RR, Boulder 2016 Website
April 10, 2016 - Buff Gold Circuit RR, Boulder 2016 Website
April 16-17, 2016 - CSU Rams Cobb Lake Road Race & Oval Criterium Cancelled
April 23, 2016 - Clasica de Rio Grande Race Flyer
April 23, 2016 - FLC Squawker Classic Criterium & TTT
April 24, 2016 - FLC Squawker Classic Road Race
April 24, 2016 - Colorado Bike Law Denver Federal Center Classic, Website 
April 29-30, 2016 - Maverick Classic - Colorado Mesa University Race Flyer
May 1, 2016 - Koppenberg Road Race, Superior, 2016 Website Rescheduled for May 28th! 
May 7, 2016 - OZ Road Race, 2016 Website, Race Flyer
May 8, 2016 - US Training Center National Record Attempt Day, Velodrome Event Flyer
May 14, 2016 - Best of Hess Individual Time Trials Race Flyer
May 18, 2016 - Lafayette Criterium, Lafayette Race Flyer
May 20, 2016 - Superior Morgul Classic - Time Trial 2016 Website,  Race Flyer
May 21, 2016 - Superior Morgul Classic - Circuit Race 2016 Website,  Race Flyer
May 22, 2016 - Superior Morgul Classic - Road Race 2016 Website,  Race Flyer 

May 1, 2016 - Koppenberg Road Race, Superior, 2016 Website,  Race Flyer 
June 4, 2016 - City Park Criterium, Denver Race Flyer
June 5, 2016 - Deer Trail Road Race SR RR Championships, Deer Trail Race Flyer
June 12, 2016 - Ridge at 38 Criterium, CO SR CRIT Champ, Wheat Ridge Race Flyer
June 19, 2016 - Mainstreet Parker Criterium, Parker Race Flyer
June 24, 2016 - Boulder Element Omnium (TT), Boulder, 2016 Website, Race Flyer
June 25, 2016 - Boulder Element Omnium (Road Race), Boulder, 2016 Website, Race Flyer  
June 26, 2016 - Boulder Element Omnium (Circuit Race), Boulder, 2016 Website, Race Flyer 
July 1-2, 2016 - Grand Prix of Colorado Springs, UCI Class 1 Track Event Event Flyer
July 2, 2016 - Wheels of Thunder @ Flatrock, Commerce City Race Flyer
July 5-6, 2016 - Independence Day Grand Prix (no flyer yet)
July 10, 2016 - Longmont Criterium, Longmont (no flyer yet)
July 15-17, 2016 - 3 Days of Salida Festival, 2016 website
July 15, 2016 - Salida Classic - TT, Salida Event Flyer
July 16, 2016 - Salida Classic - Criterium, Salida Event Flyer
July 17, 2016 - Salida Classic - Road Race (Master RR Championships), Salida Event Flyer
July 30, 2016 - Boulder Orthopedic Crit at Table Mountain, Boulder Race Flyer
July 31, 2016 - Mike Neilds Memorial Bannock Street Criterium, CO JR Crit Champ Race Flyer
August 5, 2016 - Colorado State Junior TT Championships (no flyer yet)
August 6, 2016 - Colorado State Junior RR Championships (no flyer yet)
August 6, 2016 - Littleton Twilight Criterium 2016 Website 3:30 to 10:30 p.m.
August 7, 2016 - John Stenner Mem'l - CO Time Trial Championships Race Flyer
August 14, 2016 - Wheels of Hope, (no flyer yet)
August 21, 2016 - Lucky Pie Criterium, CO Masters Crit Championships, Louisville Race Flyer
September 2-5, 2016 - Steamboat SR p/b Moots Cycles Stage Race 2015 Website

*Hillclimb races listed below

Summary of Colorado State Championship Races

June 5, 2016 - Deer Trail Road Race SR RR Championships, Deer Trail Race Flyer
June 12, 2016 - Ridge at 38 Criterium, CO SR CRIT Champ, Wheat Ridge Race Flyer July 17, 2016 - Salida Classic - Road Race, Master RR Championships, Salida Event Flyer
July 31, 2016 - Mike Neilds Memorial Bannock Street Criterium, CO JR Crit Champ Race Flyer 
August 5, 2016 - Colorado State Junior TT Championships (no flyer yet)
August 6, 2016 - Colorado State Junior RR Championships (no flyer yet) August 7, 2016 - John Stenner Mem'l - CO Time Trial Championships Race Flyer 
August 21, 2016 - Lucky Pie Criterium, CO Masters Crit Championships, Louisville Race Flyer

Road Bike Mid-Week Race Series in Colorado

Table Mountain Race Series - Peak to Peak P2P Mid-Wk Series @ CSP - Wednesday night racing in Summer in Golden at Colorado State Patrol track, 12 weeks. Short circuit race. Men's racing.

June 1, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
June 8, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
June 15, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
June 22, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
July 06, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
July 13, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
July 20, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
July 27, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
August 03, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
August 10, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
August 17 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
August 24, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series

Table Mountain Race Series - Peak to Peak P2P Mid-Wk Series @ CSP - Junior / Women - Thursday night racing in Summer in Golden at Colorado State Patrol track. Short circuit race. Junior & Women racing. 

June 09, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series - Junior / Women SW 3-4
June 23, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series - Junior / Women SW 3-4
July 07, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series - Junior / Women SW 3-4
July 28, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series - Junior / Women SW 3-4
August 4, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series - Junior / Women SW 3-4

Mid-Week Time Trial Races In Colorado

Weekly (mid-week) Time Trial Series at Cherry Creek State Park

April 6, 2016 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #1, Cherry Creek State Park
April 13, 2016 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #2, Cherry Creek State Park
April 20, 2016 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #3, Cherry Creek State Park
April 27, 2016 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #4, Cherry Creek State Park
May 4, 2016 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #5, Cherry Creek State Park
May 11, 2016 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #6, Cherry Creek State Park
May 18, 2016 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #7, Cherry Creek State Park

Weekly (mid-week, every Tuesday) Time Trial Series at Horsetooth Reservoir

April 12, 2016 - Horsetooth Time Trial, Fort Collins
April 19, 2016 - Horsetooth Time Trial, Fort Collins
April 25, 2016 - Horsetooth Time Trial, Fort Collins
May 2, 2016 - Horsetooth Time Trial, Fort Collins

Time Trial Championships in Colorado

August 5, 2016 - Colorado State Junior TT Championships (no flyer yet)

Hillclimb Bike Races in Colorado

Hill Climbs in Colorado 2016. You don't need to be part of a team, but you might need a race license. These climbing challenges come down to you, your bike and a mountain.

March 19, 2016 - Oredigger Classic - Lookout Mountain ITT/Hillclimb, Golden, 4.64mi, 1422ft
June 5, 2016 - Little Park Road Hillclimb, Grand Junction, 5.3mi, 1,929ft
June 11, 2016 - Guanella Pass Hill Climb, Georgetown Event Flyer
July 9, 2016 - Sunshine Hill Climb, Boulder, 9.8mi, ~3000ft Race Flyer
July 23, 2016 - Bob Cook Mem'l Mt Evans Hill Climb, HC Champs, Idaho Springs, 6630ft climb to 14,130’ Event Flyer
August 13, 2016 - The Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cycling Hillclimb Gran Fondo, USAC National Hillclimb Championships, 12.42m, ~8,000ft
August 27, 2016 - Colo Bike Law Lookout Mountain Hillclimb, Golden, 4.6mi, 1200ft

Collegiate Cycling Races in Colorado

Colorado amateur and Master racers have much to be thankful for the opportunities created for their categories through local collegiate bike races. Support high school and collegiate racers - they are the next great generation of hope to fuel this sport.

March 6, 2016 - University of Denver Criterium, City Park in Denver
March 19, 2016 - Oredigger Classic - Lookout Mountain ITT/Hillclimb, Golden
March 20, 2016 - Oredigger Classic - Criterium, Golden
April 2, 2016 - USAFA Criterium Front Range Classic Race Flyer
April 3, 2016 - USAFA Road Race Front Range Classic Race Flyer
April 9, 2016 - Buff Gold TT/ITT & RR, Boulder 2016 Website
April 10, 2016 - Buff Gold Circuit RR, Boulder 2016 Website
April 16-17, 2016 - CSU Rams Cobb Lake Road Race & Oval Criterium Cancelled
April 23, 2016 - FLC Squawker Classic Criterium & TTT
April 24, 2016 - FLC Squawker Classic Road Race
April 29-30, 2016 - Maverick Classic - Colorado Mesa University Race Flyer

Mountain Bike Races and Grave Races in Colorado

Race Schedule for 2016 Mountain Bike, CX, Fat Bike (winter), Short Track, Gravel, Endurance, Downhill Races, Enduro, Mountain Bike Festivals or Events in Colorado.

January 16, 2016 - Winter Park Fat Bike Series (Frosty Fraser),  Fraser, CO, Fat Bike
January 16, 2016 - Snow Mountain Ranch Fat Bike Race Series: Blue Ridge Ascent, Fat Bike
January 16, 2016 - Fat Cycle Challenge, Aspen, Fat Bike
January 20, 2016 - Full Moon Fat Bike Race, Steamboat Springs, Fat Bike
January 23, 2016 - Velorution Valkyrie, Mancos, Fat Bike
January 23, 2016 - Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series - Copper Mountain, Fat bike/MTB
January 27-31, 2016 - Fat Bike World Championships, Crested Butte, Fat Bike
February 6, 2016 - Silverton White Out, Silverton, Fat bike, endurance
February 7, 2016 - Old Man Winter Rally, Boulder, 50K/100K, gravel & paved & run
February 13, 2016 - Winter Park Fat Bike Series (Granby Ranch), Granby, Fat Bike
February 13, 2016 - Snow Mountain Ranch Fat Bike Race Series: Pole Creek Dash, Fat Bike
February 17, 2016 - Full Moon Fat Bike Race, Steamboat Springs, Fat Bike
February 20, 2016 - Tennessee Pass Night Jam, Ski Cooper, Fat Bike
January 27-31, 2016 - Fat Bike World Championships, Crested Butte, 20mi, Fat Bike 
March 5, 2016 - Mineral Belt Mayhem, Leadville, Fat Bike/MTB
March 12, 2016 - Snow Mountain Ranch Fat Bike Race Series: Marathon, Granby, Fat Bike
March 12, 2016 - Winter Park Fat Bike Series (Rendezvous Rally), Winter Park, Fat Bike
March 19-21, 2016 - Four Seasons of Horsetooth Mountain Bike Stage Challenge, Fort Collins, XC
April 2, 2016 - Winter Park Fat Bike Series (Granby Ranch to Snow Mtn Ranch), Fat Bike
April 2, 2016 - AntiEpic Gravel Grinder, Monument, 50/160mi, gravel
April 14-17, 2016 - Sea Otter Classic UCI C3 - USA Cycling US Cup (MTB), Monterey, CA
April 23, 2016 - East Side Epic, Leadville, Fat Bike
April 23-24, 2016 - Rumble at 18 Road, Fruita, bike festival, qualifier, short track, XC
April 28-May 1, 2016 - Fruita Fat Tire Festival, multi-event, MTB 
April 30, 2016 - RME Ridgeline Rampage, Castle Rock, XC, endurance, Rescheduled to May 8th
April 30, 2016 - Encierro Ride (gravel), Monument, 50/100K, Rescheduled to May 7th
May 3, 2016 - New Belgium Short Track Race Series, Fort Collins, short track, XC
May 6-7, 2016 - 18 Hours of Fruita, Fruita, endurance
May 7, 2016 - Encierro Ride (gravel), Monument, 50/100K
May 7, 2016 - 12 Hours of Mesa Verde, Cortez, endurance
May 7, 2016 - Desert RATS Classic, Fruita, Kokopelli Trail CO to UT, 50K endurance
May 8, 2016 - RME Ridgeline Rampage, Castle Rock, XC, endurance
May 10, 2016 - New Belgium Short Track Race Series, Fort Collins, short track, XC
May 14, 2016 - RME Battle the Bear, Lakewood, XC, endurance
May 17, 2016 - New Belgium Short Track Race Series, Fort Collins, short track, XC
May 18, 2016 - Ascent Cycling Series, Colorado Springs, XC
May 20-22, 2016 - The Grand Junction Off Road, Grand Junction, MTB  
May 20-22, 2016 - Grand Junction Off Road, Grand Junction, XC, endurance
May 21, 2016 - Pony Xpress (gravel), Trinidad, 70/160K
May 22, 2016 - The Original Meowler Mountain Duathlon, Gunnison, XC
May 24, 2016 - New Belgium Short Track Race Series, Fort Collins, short track, XC
May 25, 2016 - VRD Mtb Race Series: Eagle Rance Classic, Vail Rec District
May 28, 2016 - The Half Growler, Gunnison, 32mi, MTB 
May 29, 2016 - The Original (Full) Growler, Gunnison, 64mi, MTB
May 29, 2016 - Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Durango, XC
May 31, 2016 - New Belgium Short Track Race Series, Fort Collins, short track, XC
June 4, 2016 - Gunny Enduro, Gunnison, enduro MTB
June 1, 2016 - Ascent Cycling Series, Colorado Springs, XC
June 1, 2016 - Frisco Roundup, presented by Peak One Neighborhood Summit Mountain Challenge
June 4, 2016 - ERock Sunrise to Sunset 11-hr relay, Castle Rock, MTB
June 4, 2016 - RME PV Cycle Derby, Elbert, 10/22/66mi, enduro, XC
June 4, 2016 - ERock Sunrise Sunset, Castle Rock, endurance
June 4-5, 2016 - Eagle Outside Festival & Expo (Firebird 40), Eagle, 40K, XC  
June 7, 2016 - New Belgium Short Track Race Series, Fort Collins, short track, XC
June 8, 2016 - VRD Mtb Race Series: Hammer in the Hay, Vail Rec District
June 11, 2016 - Winter Park Series (Excel Roofing Hill Climb), Winter Park, XC
June 11, 2016 - Salida Big Friggin Loop, Salida, endurance
June 11, 2016 - GoPro Mountain Games, Vail, XC
June 15, 2016 - Ascent Cycling Series, Colorado Springs, XC
June 18, 2016 - Bailey Hundo, Bailey, endurance
June 18, 2016 - Bailey Hundito Bailey, endurance
June 19-21, 2016 - Four Seasons of Horsetooth Mountain Bike Stage Challenge, Fort Collins, XC
June 19, 2016 - FIBArk Arkansas Hills Mountain Bike Race, Salida, XC
June 19, 2016 - Beti Bike Bash, Castle Rock, XC, women only
June 22, 2016 - VRD Mtb Race Series: Berry Creek Bash, Vail Rec District
June 25, 2016 - Durango Dirty Century, Durango, endurance
June 25, 2016 - Winter Park Series (Super Loop), Winter Park, XC
June 25, 2016 - Prestige Imports Snowmass Loop MTB Fondo, Snowmass
June 19, 2016 - Backcountry Burner, Highlands Ranch, XC
June 29, 2016 - Ascent Cycling Series, Colorado Springs, XC
June 30-31, 2016 - Yeti Cycles Big Mountain Enduro, Aspen/Snowmass, enduro
July 6, 2016 - VRD Mtb Race Series: Davos Dash, Vail Rec District
July 4, 2016 - Firecracker 50, Breckenridge, endurance
July 9, 2016 - Winter Park Series (Race Rendezvous), Winter Park, XC
July 9, 2016 - Leadville Silver Rush 50, Leadville, endurance
July 9-10, 2016 - Yeti Cycles Big Mountain Enduro, Keystone, Enduro 
July 13, 2016 - Ascent Cycling Series, Colorado Springs, XC
July 16, 2016 - Breckenridge 100 Challenge, Breckenridge, endurance
July 20-21, 2016 - Enduro X Games series, Steamboat Springs, Downhill, Enduro
July 20, 2016 - VRD Mtb Race Series: camp Hale Hup, Vail Rec District
July 22-24, 2016 - Tooth or Consequences Bike Festival, Fort Collins
July 23, 2016 - Telluride 100, Telluride, endurance
July 23, 2016 - Screamin Beaver Enduro, Fort Collins, enduro
July 24, 2016 - 40 in the Fort, Fort Collins, XC, endurance, 20 mi, 4500ft+
July 27, 2016 - Ascent Cycling Series, Colorado Springs, XC
July 29-31, 2016 - Leadville Stage Race,  Leadville, XC
July 30, 2016 - Winter Park Series (Colorado Epic XC), Winter Park, XC
July 30, 2016 - RME Copper Crush, Copper Mountain, XC, endurance
August 3, 2016 - VRD Mtb Race Series: Boneyard Brawl, Vail Rec District
August 3, 2016 - HR MTB Series, Highlands Ranch, MTB
August 9, 2016 - Lory Mountain Challenge, Lory State Park, XC
August 9-14, 2016 - Breck Epic, Breckenridge, 35-50mi a day, 6-day stage race, MTB
August 10, 2016 - HR MTB Series, Highlands Ranch, MTB
August 13, 2016 - Leadville Trail 100, Leadville, endurance
August 13-14, 2016 - Steamboat Stinger,  Steamboat Springs, endurance
August 13, 2016 - Winter Park Series (Epic Point to Point), Winter Park, XC
August 14-19, 2016 - Breck Epic, Breckenridge, endurance
August 16, 2016 - Lory Mountain Challenge, Lory State Park, XC
August 17, 2016 - HR MTB Series, Highlands Ranch, MTB
August 20, 2016 - The Mountain’s Revenge, Montezuma, endurance
August 23, 2016 - Lory Mountain Challenge, Lory State Park, XC
August 24, 2016 - VRD Mtb Race Series: Beaver Creek Blast, Vail Rec District
August 24, 2016 - HR MTB Series, Highlands Ranch, MTB
August 27, 2016 - Winter Park Series (King of the Rockies), Winter Park, XC
August 27, 2016 - San Juan Crucible 90/150, Cortez, endurance
August 28, 2016 - Gold Rush Bike Rally, Boulder 35 / 50 mi
August 30, 2016 - Lory Mountain Challenge, Lory State Park, XC
September 2-4. 2016 - Yeti Cycles Big Mountain Enduro, Crested Butte, enduro
September 3, 2016 - Ring the Peak, Manitou Springs, endurance
September 4, 2016 - Grand Traverse Mountain Bike Race, Aspen-Crested Butte
September 4, 2016 - Dave Weins West Elk Bicycle Classic, Gunnison-CB, 134mi, paved and dirt
September 9-11, 2016 - Vail Outlier Offroad Festival, Vail, XC, enduro
September 10-11, 2016 - Vapor Trail 125, Salida 125mi, (night MTB)  
September 15-18, 2016 - Salida Bike Fest, Salida, MTB, 4-days
September 17, 2016 - Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race, Salida, XC
September 17, 2016 - Golden Giddy Up, Golden, Festival, MTB, enduro
September 17-18, 2016 - Todd & Ned's Durango Dirt Fondo, Durango, 30/50mi, 2-days
September __, 2016 - Monarch Crest Crank, Salida, 25mi, MTB
September 24, 2016 - Rico 50/100, Rico, endurance
September 24, 2016 - Cougar Slayer, Blackhawk, endurance
September 24, 2016 - Bikes and Brews, Royal Gorge, Canon City, cruiser, road & MTB
October 1, 2016 - Dolores 100/50, Dolores, endurance)
October 1, 2016 - 12 Hours of Peaceful Valley, Elbert, endurance
October 1, 2016 - Pedal 50, Monument, 55mi, gravel *free
October 8, 2016 - 12 Hours of Penitence, Penitente Canyon, San Luis Valley 12-hr (MTB)

UCI Mountain Bike Races in the USA

March 12, 2016 - Bonelli Park UCI C1 - USA Cycling US Cup, San Dimas, CA
April 2, 2016 - Fontana City National UCI HC - USA Cycling US Cup, Fontana CA
April 9, 2016 - Bonelli Park UCI HC - USA Cycling US Cup, San Dimas, CA
April 16, 2016 - Sea Otter Classic UCI C3 - USA Cycling US Cup, Monterey, CA
May 14-15, 2016 - NW Cup/Pro GRT, Port Angeles, WA
May 27-29, 2016 - Mountain Creek Spring Classic, Vernon, NJ
June 18, 2016 - US Cup - Pro XCT - Missoula XCO + UCI Junior Series XCO, Missoula, MT
June 23-26, 2016 - Chile Challenge + UCI Junior Series XCO, Angel Fire, NM
July 28-31, 2016 - Beast of the East - Pro GRT, Killington, VT
July 30, 2016 - US Cup - The Boston Rebellion PRO XCT, Walpole, MA
August 13-14, 2016 - Windham Pro GRT/XCT, Windham, NY
August 21, 2016 - Snowshoe Wild Hare PRO GRT, Snowshoe
September 15-18, 2016 - Kamikaze Bike Games, Mammoth Lakes, CA

Mid-Week Mountain Bike Race Series in Colorado

Summer mid-week mountain bike series at Bear Creek State Park, weekly on Tuesdays - Rattler Mountain Bike Series 

• June 28, 2016 - Rattler Series Mtn Bike
• July 12, 2016 - Rattler Series Mtn Bike
• July 26, 2016 - Rattler Series Mtn Bike
• August 9, 2016 - Rattler Series Mtn Bike

Spring through summer mid-week mountain bike series in Castle Rock, Colorado, weekly on Wednesday nights. information at: RaceCO.org

• #1 Race the MAC MTB series, Wednesday, April 27, 2016, 6:00pm
• #2 Race the MAC MTB series, Wednesday, May 4, 2016, 6:00pm
• #3 Race the MAC MTB series, Wednesday, May 11, 2016, 6:00pm
• #4 Race the MAC MTB series, Wednesday, May 18, 2016, 6:00pm
• #5 Race the MAC MTB series, Wednesday, May 25, 2016, 6:00pm
• #6 Race the MAC MTB series, Wednesday, July 20, 2016, 6:00pm
• #7 Race the MAC MTB series, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, 6:00pm
• #8 Race the MAC MTB series, Wednesday, August 3, 2016, 6:00pm
• #9 Race the MAC MTB series, Wednesday, August 10, 2016, 6:00pm

Summer mid-week mountain bike series in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, weekly on Wednesday nights at Philip S. Miller Park. Information at: HR MTB Series

• #1 HR MTB Series, Wednesday, August 3, 2016
• #2 HR MTB Series, Wednesday, August 10, 2016
• #3 HR MTB Series, Wednesday, August 17, 2016
• #4 HR MTB Series, Wednesday, August 24, 2016
 

Summer mid-week mountain bike series in Summit County, Colorado, weekly on Wednesdays: Summit Mountain Challenge

• June 15, 2016 - Gold Run Rush, presented by Lincoln Park at the Wellington Neighborhood
• July 13, 2016 - Keystone Uphill/Downhill Double Time Trial
• July 27, 2016 - Pennsylvania Gulch Grind, presented by Peak-a-Boo Toys
• August 10, 2016 - Soda Creek Scramble
• August 24, 2016 - Peaks Trail Time Trial/Kids, presented by Great Western Lodging
• September 4, 2016 - The Fall Classic, presented by Lincoln Park at the Wellington Neighborhood

BIKE CAMPS

Road Bike Camps in Colorado

May 6-8, 2016 - TriVelo Youth Cycling Camp Series:  Golden Bell Camp, Divide, CO
May 11, 2016 - Back to Basics Cycling Skills Clinic for Women, 6:00-7:30pm The Fast Lab
May 18-21, 2016 - CTS Cycling Climbing Camp, Colorado Springs
May 31, 2016 - Climbing & Descending Dinosaur Ridge, 5:45-8:00pm The Fast Lab
Jun 3-8, 2016 - USAC Regional Talent ID Road Camp, Lakewood
June 18, 2016 - Climbing and Descending Dinosaur Ridge, 9:00-11:00am The Fast Lab
June 19, 2016 - Group Riding Skills, 10:00-12:00pm The Fast Lab

Mountain Bike Camps in Colorado - (mostly Women and Girls only)

May 14-15, 2016 Alison Dunlap Adventure Camp Mtn Bike Skills Clinics - Level I, Colorado Springs
June 5, 2016 - REI Intro to Mountain Biking for Women, Boulder, 8:00-1:00pm 
June 11-12, 2016 Alison Dunlap Adventure Camp Mtn Bike Skills Clinics - Level I WMBA Members, Colorado Springs
June 18, 2016 - Little Bellas Bike Camp for ages 8-13, in conjunction with Beti Bike Bash:  - Little Bellas All Girls Bike Camp, Castle Rock (girls only).
June 18, 2016 - Yeti Vida Mountain Bike Clinic at Beti Bike Bash, Castle Rock CO
June 25-26, 2016 - Yeti Vida Mountain Bike Series - Keystone, CO
July 8-10, 2016 - TriVelo Youth Mountain Bike Camp Series:  Magic Sky Ranch, Red Feathers Lake, CO  
July 9-10, 2016 Alison Dunlap Adventure Camp Mtn Bike Skills Clinics - Level II, Women only, Colorado Springs
July 23-24, 2016 Alison Dunlap Adventure Camp Mtn Bike Skills Clinics - Level II, Co-ed, Colorado Springs
August 6-7, 2016 - Yeti Vida Mountain Bike Series - Snowmass, CO 
September 17-18, 2016 - TREK Dirt Series Mtb Camp - Women only,  Fruita, CO

Cyclocross Camps in Colorado

TriVelo Youth Cyclocross Bike Camp Series: August 28, 2016, Camp Granite Lake, Golden, CO  

TRACK

Boulder:
For the Boulder Valley Velodrome Track Calendar, please see: BVV Calendar. For their Thursday Night race schedule, please see: BVV track racing in Boulder. Or see Saturday Time Trial information.

Colorado Springs:
For information about the Velodrome in Colorado Springs, learn about Requirements and Training at the Velodrome. Or see Events at Colorado Springs USA Velodrome.

Track Races in Colorado
May 8, 2016 - US Training Center National Record Attempt Day, Velodrome Event Flyer
May 28, 2016 - BVV Record Attempt, Boulder Velodrome, Event Flyer 
June 11, 2016 - BVV Record Attempt, Boulder Velodrome, Event Flyer  
July 1-2, 2016 - Grand Prix of Colorado Springs, UCI Class 1 Track Event Event Flyer
July 16, 2016 - BVV Record Attempt, Boulder Velodrome, Event Flyer 

Mid-week Track Series in Colorado Springs
USOTC Tuesday Night Track Series - Starts June 01, 2016,  throughout Summer, 5-7pm warm-up, 7-9pm race.
 

Grand Fondos and Timed Events in Colorado

Since many believe that Gran Fondos are races as well (and it certainly feels like a race at the front, or even the middle), I include a partial list here of gran fondos (cyclosportive, cyclosportif) scheduled for 2016 near Colorado:

2016 Colorado road GRAN FONDO or timed events in Colorado: Test yourself against the clock on these long road or mountain bike citizen races.

May 21, 2016 - Pony Xpress (gravel), Trinidad, 70/160K
May 28-30, 2016 - Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Durango-Silverton, 50mi
May 29, 2016 - Cafe Velo Tri Lakes GranFondo, Monument, 22/44/66/88/110mi
June 4, 2016 - Palisade Gran Fondo, Palisade, 40/69mi 
June 11, 2016 - Gran Fondo Aspen, Aspen, 54.9mi
June 25, 2016 - Prestige Imports Snowmass Loop MTB Fondo, Snowmass, 20mi
July 30, 2016 - 155 Team Challenge Gran Fondo, Montrose
August 13, 2016 - Red Rocks Gran Fondo, Red Rocks (a hard one!), 33/50/62/100mi
August 13, 2016 - The Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cycling Hillclimb Gran Fondo, 12.42m, ~8,000ft 
August 13, 2016 - Prestige Imports Vuelta a Dillon Fondo, Dillon, 20/60/90mi
July 23, 2016 - Bob Cook Mem'l Mt Evans Hill Climb Fran Fondo, Idaho Springs (timed hillclimb)
July 30, 2016 - Colorado Park to Park Challenge, Denver to Winter Park, 96mi (a challenge!)
August 28, 2016 - The Golden Gran Fondo, Golden, 90mi
August 29, 2016 - Colorado Gran Fondo, Colorado Springs, 60/100mi
September 4, 2016 - Dave Weins West Elk Bicycle Classic, Gunnison-CB, 134mi, paved and dirt
September 17-18, 2016 - Todd & Ned's Durango Dirt Fondo, Durango, 30/50mi, 2-days

See also: Gran Fondo National Championship Series: (FL, GA, CA, NJ, NC, CO, MD): GFNCS - 2016 Event Dates

USA Cycling Pro Road Tour Race Calendar

NEW IN 2016 - USA Cycling Pro Road Tour (PRT) combines stage races, road races, omniums and criteriums across the country from April to September. The new PRT makes up the races included in the old National Racing Calendar (Road) (NRC) and the 2016 National Criterium Calendar (NCC). In Colorado, be sure to mark your calendar for the Littleton Criterium on August 6th.

April 2, 2016 - Sunny King Criterium, Anniston, AL, Criterium, M/W
April 3, 2016 - Anniston Fort McClellan Road Race Anniston, AL, Road Race, M/W
April 6-10, 2016 - Redlands Bicycle Classic Redlands, CA, Stage Race, M/W
April 21-24, 2016 - Joe Martin Stage Race Fayetteville, AR, UCI 2.2, Stage Race, M/W
April 30, 2016 - Charlotte Criterium, Charlotte, NC, Criterium, M/W
April 30, 2016 - Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling, Dana Point, CA, Criterium, M/W
May 4-8, 2016 - Tour of the Gila Silver City, NM, UCI 2.2, Stage Race, M/W
May 14, 2016 - Wilmington Grand Prix Wilmington, DE, Criterium, M/W
May 29, 2016 - Winston-Salem Cycling Classic Winston-Salem, NC, Criterium, M/W
May 30, 2016 - Winston-Salem Classic Road Race, Winston-Salem, NC, UCI 1.1, M/W
June 3, 2016 - The Oklahoma City Pro Am Classic Oklahoma City, OK, Criterium, M/W
June 5, 2016 - Philadelphia International Cycling Classic Philadelphia, PA, UCI 1.1, RR, Mens only
June 10-12, 2016 - Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Tulsa, OK, Criterium, Omnium, M/W
June 11-12, 2016 - Air Force Association Cycling Classic Arlington, VA, Criterium, Omnium, M/W
June 15-19, 2016 - North Star Grand Prix Minneapolis, MN, Stage Race, M/W
June 25-26, 2016 - Tour of America's Dairyland Wauwatosa, WI, Criterium, Omnium, M/W
July 16, 2016 - Andersen Banducci Twilight Criterium Boise, ID, Criterium, M/W
July 21-24, 2016 - Cascade Cycling Classic Bend, OR, UCI 2.2, Stage Race, Women only
July 23-24, 2016 - Intelligentsia Cup powered by SRAM Lake Bluff, IL, Criterium, Omnium, M/W
August 6, 2016 - Littleton Twilight Criterium Littleton, CO, Criterium, M/W
August 13, 2016 - Rochester Twilight Criterium Rochester, NY, Criterium, M/W
August 27, 2016 - Chris Thater Memorial Binghamton, NY, Criterium, M/W
September 2-5, 2016 - The TSG Realty Gateway Cup St. Louis, MO, Criterium, Omnium, M/W
September 10, 2016 - The Reading 120 Reading, PA, UCI 1.2, Road Race, Mens only
September 11, 2016 - Thompson Criterium of Doylestown Doylestown,  PA, Criterium, M/W
September 1, 2016 - TD Bank Mayor's Cup Boston, MA, Criterium, M/W

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPs CYCLING

USA Cycling Collegiate National Championships

February 5-7, 2016 - USA Cycling Collegiate BMX National Championship
May 13-15, 2016 - USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships
September 16-20, 2016 - USA Cycling Collegiate Track Nationals
October 21-23, 2016 - USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships

USA Cycling General National Championships

January 5-10, 2016 - USA Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championship, Asheville, NC
February 19, 2016 - USA Cycling Elite BMX National Championships, Oldsmar, FL
February 27, 2016 - USA Cycling Fat Bike National Championships p/b Borealis Fat Bikes, Ogden, UT
April 16-17, 20-16 - USA Cycling Professional Criterium & Team Time Trial National Championships, Greenville, SC 
May 24-28, 2016 - USA Cycling Masters & Para-Cycling Road National Championships, Winston-Salem, NC
May 27-29, 2016 - USA Cycling Professional Road Race & Time Trial National Championships, Winston-Salem, NC
June 4, 2016 - USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike National Championship, Columbia County, GA
June 30 - July 3, 2016 - USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships, Louisville, KY
July 12-17, 2016 - USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships, Mammoth Mountain, CA
July 25-31, 2016 - USA Cycling Elite & Junior Track National Championships, Trexlertown, PA
August 9-14, 2016 - USA Cycling Masters Track National Championships, Indianapolis, Indiana
August 13, 2016 - USA Cycling Hill Climb National Championships, Colorado Springs

UCI AMERICAN TOUR CALENDAR in the USA

MENS American Tour Pro Races in the USA - 2016 dates (not WorldTour):

April 21-24, 2016 - Joe Martin Stage Race p/b Nature Valley UCI 2.2, Arkansas, M/W
May 4-8, 2016 - Tour of the Gila UCI 2.2, Silver City, New Mexico, M/W
May 15-22, 2016 - Amgen Tour of California UCI 2.HC, State of California, M/W
May 30, 2016 - Winston-Salem Cycling Classic Road Race UCI 1.1, North Carolina, M/W
June 5, 2016 - Philadelphia International Cycling Classic UCI 1.1, Pennsylvania, M/W
August 1-7, 2016 - The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah UCI 2.HC, State of Utah, M/W
September 10, 2016 - The Reading 120 UCI 1.2, Reading, PA, M/W

WOMENS American Tour Pro Races in the USA - 2016 dates (not WorldTour):

July 21-24, 2016 - Cascade Cycling Classic UCI 2.2, Bend, OR, Stage Race, Women only 



CANCELLED: USA Pro Challenge /Tour of Colorado, State of Colorado M/W

American Tour races in Canada - 2016 dates:

June 9-12, 2016 - Grand Prix Cycliste de Saguenay, Canada
June 15-19, 2016 - Tour de Beauce, Sainte-Justine, Canada
July 10, 2016 - White Spot / Delta Road Race Canada
August 31 - September 5, 2016 - Tour of Alberta Alberta, Canada

Professional Stage Races in the USA

AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA - American Tour professional bike race in California
May 15-22, 2016 - Tour of California professional stage race. The host cities were announced for 2016, read more information about the race at Pedal Dancer®: TOUR OF CALIFORNIA

LARRY H. MILLER TOUR OF UTAH - American Tour professional bike race in Utah
August 1-7, 2016 - Tour of Utah professional stage race.

USA PRO CHALLENGE Cancelled in 2016

UCI World Championship Races

ROAD & TIME TRIAL
October 9-16, 2016 - UCI Road World Championships Dohar, Qatar
September 17-24, 2017 - UCI Road World Championships Bergen, Norway
2018 - Innsbruck, Austria

MTN BIKE
September 6-11, 2016 - UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, Val Di Sole, Italy
2017 - Cairns, Australia

CYCLO-CROSS
January 30-31, 2016 - UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, Heusden-Zolder, Belgium
January 28-29, 2017 - UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, Bieles, Luxembourg

TRACK
March 2-6, 2016 - Championnats du Monde Piste UCI/ UCI Track Cycling World Championship, Lee Valley VeloPark’s velodrome, London, Great Britain.

2016 Summer Olympic Games Schedule

Olympic Committee Rio de Janeiro 2016 from the International
Official Home Page Rio de Janeiro 2016

Cycling competition at the Olympics:

• Cycling BMX
• Cycling Road
• Cycling Track
• Cycling Mountain Bike

Please also see other Calendar Lists by Pedal Dancer®: 2016 Colorado Cycling Events and Bike Rides Calendar List. Pedal Dancer® Guide Page to: COLORADO CLIMBS 

Add your event
To the Pedal Dancer® Colorado Bike Race Calendar List: Please contact Karen to add your event to these lists.

© Copyright content of this post by Karen Rakestraw / Pedal Dancer® is a trademark for all online content.