My favorite bike rides

A nice list of great bike rides - as a farewell

My Top Twenty cycling climbs in France (published 6/30/2014): We all have our favorites, these are mine (content below)

Three Sides of Mont Ventoux (published 6/4/2013): When a mountain is too good to only climb it one way

All things Alpe d'Huez (published 7/24/2015): Alpe d'Huez - yes you can

The very best bike climbs in Colorado with all the facts (published 3/11/15): The very best bike climbs in Colorado with all the facts

So you want to tour Colorado on a bicycle? (published 05/01/15): The best week-long or multi-day bike tours of Colorado

Cycling in Colorado: Pedal Dancer Guide page

Cycling Climbs of Colorado: Pedal Dancer List of Bike climbs Guide Page

Pedal Dancer® rides Summit County, Colorado: Summit County rides and climbs Guide Page

- - -

We all have our favorites, these are my favorite rides in France (reprinted)

Since 2003, I have been fortunate to ride a bike frequently in France. I want you to know I actually wrote out five other posts in route to mapping out and writing this one simple post about my favorite climbs in France. You would think it easy, but any time I think of climbs, I think of scenery, I think of traveling to the climbs, I think of the Tour de France .. and I generally get very distracted.

Oh, I like so many things ...

So here it is in all it's simple glory - my favorite top twenty climbs (*top 10) in France: Link to google map of climb locations

Alpe d’Huez *
Col d'Agnes
Col des Aravis *
Col d’Aspin
Col d’Aubisque *
Col de la Columbiére *
Col du Galibier *
Col d'Ichère
Col d'Izoard
Col de Marie Blanque *
Col de Murs
Col de Peyresourde
Col d’Portillon
Col du Soulor *
Col de Tamié
Col de Télégraphe
Col du Tourmalet *
Hautacam
La Hourquette d’Ancizan *
Mont Ventoux *

My favorite, you ask? Well I just have this thing for the Col d'Aubisque to Cirque du Litor to Col du Solour route. The Tourmalet is a must ride. I also love Mont Ventoux in all it's boisterous glory. 

Map of my favorite climbs in France https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zF3Mdi_RS4EA.khPsCpthHhgk

ALPS

My favorite climbs in the Alps: Col de la Colimbiere, Col des Aravis, Col de Tamie, Alpe d'Huez, Col de Telegraphe, Col de Galibier, Col d'Izoard.

PROVENCE

My favorite climbs in Provence (granted I don't know much about Languedoc, which has many good reported rides and climbs): Col de Murs, Mont Ventoux

PYRENEES

My favorite climbs scattered across the Pyrenees are: Col de Agnes, Col du Portillon, Col de Peyresourde, Hourquette d'Ancizan, Col d'Aspin, Col du Tourmalet, Hatuacam, Col du Soulor, Col d'Aubisque, Col de Marie Blanque, Col d'Ichere.

This year, of my favorite climbs, the Col d'Izoard, Col d'Portillon, Col de Peyresourde, Col du Tourmalet and Hautacam will be featured in the 2014 Tour de France.

My favorite areas to travel and ride a bike in France are the Pyrenees, Le Grand-Bornand/Haute-Savoie region of the Alps, and the general areas of Provence and department Vaucluse. I also enjoy riding the foothills of the Pyrenees Atlantique and Haute-Pyrenees. The Dordogne is a fabulous place to visit. Lyon, Marseille, and Toulouse are the preferred smaller airports to fly into with a bike in France.

You can see more of the climbs I have ridden in France on my About page, so many are good, but these are better. Now onto posting those other five posts I wrote on my way to finally mapping out my favorite climbs in France ......

Cycling Events and Bike Rides and Race in Colorado 2017

2017 Colorado Bike Ride, Bike Race and Cycling Event Calendar List

It is time to plan your bike rides and bike races for the 2017 cycling season in Colorado. Which bike ride, race or event will you participate in this year?

Every year, thousands of road cyclists, gravel riders, mountain bikers, fat bike lovers and cruisers use the Pedal Dancer® bicycling event list to plan their personal cycling season. This is a fine list of bike rides, cycling events, charity bike rides, century rides, bike races, hill climbs, and mountain bike events and races organized by hard-working enthusiasts who bring you cycling events across the state of Colorado; from free rides to charitable fundraisers, week-long bike tours, fat bike races, an ultimate haute route or the nation's toughest century.

There seems to be fewer cycling events this year, with an apparent drop in timed gran fondos but plenty more fat bike events, and of course, continuing growth in the popular Colorado sport of mountain biking. There remains a demand for out-of-staters to visit Colorado for some of our spectacular multi-day bike tours.

The Pedal Dancer Event Calendar List - now in it's sixth year - is the comprehensive free bike event calendar in Colorado listing cycling events and bike rides. Intended to inspire and help you plan and register for a bike event of your choice. Get ready to escape on your bike in search of that next great ride or cycling adventure.

"Life is about experiencing all the things you find interesting and fascinating. Just get out there and experience as much as you can. Participate in life." ~ Louie Zamperini

I have listed below separate groupings for fun Colorado cycling events, Colorado century rides, Colorado mountain bike rides, Colorado fat bike events, Colorado gravel rides, Hillclimbs, Colorado cruiser nights, Colorado multi-day tours, and major Professional Races in the Unites States for 2017.

Updated throughout the year, this calendar list of bike events in Colorado is listed in date order with known 2017 dates and links to the bike ride or event website. If you would like your bike event added to the calendar (for free), please contact me.

During my fifteen years as an avid cyclist I participated in many of these ride.  Especially enjoying the ones I traveled to; staying in new cities and riding on new roads. I preferred the events that I could not easily ride on my own without support like e-rock, Santa Fe Century or Ragbrai with its glorious pie. I have very fond memories of the Solvang Century, Triple Bypass, Moab Skinny Tire Festival and the Copper Triangle.

Nothing will get you out on a bike better than having an event to target.

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

BIKE EVENTS

List of Colorado road cycling events, gran fondos, century rides, cruiser rides, fat bike races, randonneurs, extreme long distance bike events, hill climbs, mountain bike events, gravel rides, week-long bike tours, charity bike rides and so much more.

*Final dates will be added as published by the event organizers. This calendar will be updated throughout the year.

Cycling EVENT RIDES and bike TOURS in Colorado in 2017: Full list of all cycling events in Colorado (CO) with a few in nearby in Utah, Wyoming, Oregon, Arizona and California listed below.

January 1, 2017 - Resolution Ride, Creekside Bikes, Parker, 11:00am
January 7, 2017 - Summit Mountain Challenge Fat Bike Series, Breckenridge, Fat bike
January 8, 2017 - Dust2 Fat Bike Race, Pagosa Springs, Fat bike
January 8, 2017 - CRC Group Ride, Parker, 20/30/40mi
January 8, 2017 - Big Ring Fat Bike Race #1, plus "Smiles not Miles" casual ride, Conifer
January 11, 2017 - Full Moon Fat Bike Race, Steamboat Springs, Fat bike
January 14, 2017 - Lone Cone Fat Bike Challenge, Norwood, Fat bike
January 25-29, 2017 - Borealis Fat Bike World Championships, Crested Butte, 20mi, Fat Bike
February 4, 2017 - Eagle Vail Metro District Snow Bike, Vail Golf Course, Fat Bike/MTB ?
February 4, 2017 - Silverton White Out, Silverton, Fat bike endurance
February 4, 2017 - Summit Mountain Challenge Fat Bike Series, Frisco, Fat Bike
February 11, 2017 - Winter Mountain Bike Race Series Tennessee Pass Night Jam, Fat bike/MTB
February 11, 2017 - Snow Mountain Ranch Fat Bike Round-Up, Granby, Fat Bike
February 12, 2017 - Old Man Winter Rally, Lyons, 50K/100K, (Gravel), paved, run
February 12, 2017 - Big Ring Fat Bike Race #2, plus "Smiles not Miles" casual ride, Conifer
February 18, 2017 - Winter Mountain Bike Race Series Winter Bike @ Copper Mtn, Fat bike/MTB
February 25, 2017 - Summit Mountain Challenge Fat Bike Series, Breckenridge, Fat Bike
March 4, 2017 - Winter Mountain Bike Race Series Mineral Belt Mayhem, Fat bike/MTB
March 12, 2017 - Big Ring Fat Bike Race #3, plus "Smiles not Miles" casual ride, Conifer
March 18-20, 2017 - Four Seasons of Horsetooth Mountain Bike Stage Challenge, Fort Collins, MTB
March 25, 2017 - Winter Mountain Bike Race Series Great Divide Grinder, Fat bike/MTB
March 25, 2017 - Great Divide Grinder, Monarch, Fat bike
April 8 2017 - RMCC Foothills Climbfest, Ken Caryl, 8,000 feet in 80 miles
April 15, 2017 - Winter Mountain Bike Race Series East Side Epic, Fat bike/MTB
April 15, 2017 - East Side Epic, Leadville, Fat bike 
April 27-30, 2017 - Fruita Fat Tire Festival, Fruita! multi-event, MTB
April 29, 2017 - Ridgeline Rampage, Castle Rock, 16-mile circuit, CX, Endurance MTB 
May 5-6, 2017 - 18 Hours of Fruita, Fruita, 7+mi repeated loop, Endurance MTB
May 6, 2017- AntiEpic 160 Gravel Grinder (RMCC), Monument, 76/160mi, (Gravel)
May 6, 2017 - Encierro Ride (Gravel), Elbert / Monument, 50/100K
May 7, 2017 - Rose Hill Rally, Grand Junction, 31/62mi (facebook)
May 13, 2017 - Triple C - Bike Ride, Broomfield, 35/63/102mi
May 13, 2017 - Desert Rats Mtn Bike Classic, Kokopelli Trail CO-UT, 50/100K, MTB
May 13, 2017 - 12 Hours of Mesa Verde, Cortez, MTB Endurance
May 13, 2017 - Battle The Bear, Lakewood, 10/20/30/50mi, Endurance MTB
May 19-21, 2017- The Grand Junction Off Road, Grand Junction 15/30/40mi, MTB
May 20, 2017 - Ride for the Pass, Independence Pass opening the road, Aspen, 10mi
May 20, 2017 - Pony Xpress (Gravel) Gran Fondo, Trinidad, 70/160K
May 21, 2017 - McKee Classic Bike Tour, Loveland, 5/30/37/60mi
May 27, 2017 - Estes Epic, Estes Park, Endurance MTB
May 27, 2017 - Colorado Mesa Double Century, Grand Valley, 200mi
May 26-28, 2017 - Iron Horse Bicycle Classic - Citizens Tour, Durango-Silverton, Road 50mi
May 28, 2017 - Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Durango, XC MTB
May 27-28, 2017 - The Half Growler, Gunnison, 32mi, MTB
May 27-28, 2017 - The Original (Full) Growler, Gunnison, 64mi, MTB
June 3, 2017 - Palisade Gran Fondo, Palisade, 72mi chip-timed (fruit & wine country!)
June 3, 2017 - Palisade Piccolo Fondo, Palisade, 40mi untimed, with with post picnic
June 3, 2017 - Buena Vista Bicycle Festival, Buena Vista 38/50/62/97mi
June 3, 2017 - Subaru ERock Sunrise-Sunset Mountain Bike Race, Castle Rock MTB
June 3-4, 2017 - Beti Bike Bash, Lakewood, women-only XC MTB
June 3-4. 21017 - Eagle Outside Festival, Eagle, USAC State Champs XC, MTB
June 4, 2017 - Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival, Castle Rock, 40/62/100mi, road
June 4, 2017 - Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival, (Gravel) Castle Rock, 27mi
July 4, 2017 - Firecracker 50, Breckenridge, Endurance MTB
July 8, 2017 - Leadville Silver Rush 50, Leadville, Endurance MTB
June 9-10, 2017 - Ride The Rockies Prologue Ride (by special invite/registration)
June 10-12, 2017 - Death Ride Tour, Silverton, 225mi, 3-day Tour
June 10, 2017 - GoPro Mountain Games, Vail, Road TT, Enduro, MTB, Art, Festival, dogs+
June 10-17, 2017 - The Denver Post Ride The Rockies, Alamosa to Salida, 7-day Tour, 447mi
June 11, 2017 - Death Ride Challenge, Silverton, 225mi, 1-day
June 11, 2017 - Eddy Rando Creekside Bikes, Parker, 20/40mi fast/slow, steel bikes, party
June 17, 2017 - Mountain Top Cycling Club Experience Ride, Woodland Park, 50/75/106mi
June 17, 2017 - Colorado Death Ride (RMCC), Durango, 1-day 225mi
June 17, 2017 - Coldwell Banker Denver Century Ride, Denver, 25/50/75/100mi
June 17, 2017 - Bailey Hundo Bailey, 102.47mi, MTB
June 17, 2017 - Bailey Hundito Bailey, MTB
June 17, 2017 - Starlight Spectacular, Garden of the Gods, night ride short ride, costumes too
June 18-24, 2017 - Bicycle Tour of Colorado, starts/ends Pagosa Springs, 7-day Tour
June 24, 2017 - Snowmass Loop MTB Fondo, Snowmass Village, 20/40mi, MTB
June 24, 2017 - Bike MS Colorado, Westminster to Fort Collins, 1-day
June 24, 2017 - Pedaling for Parkinson's (P4P), Denver, 37/65/100mi
June 24-25, 2017- Bike MS Colorado, Westminster, 2-days
June 24-26, 2017 - Four Seasons of Horsetooth Mountain Bike Stage Challenge, Fort Collins, MTB
June 24-30, 2017 - Mavic Haute Route Rockies, 7-day timed multi-stage competitive ride
June 24 - July 1, 2017- 109˚ West Bicycle Tour, Moab to Cortez, 7-day Tour
June 29- July 1, 2017 - Leadville Camp, Leadville, MTB training camp (entrance to Leadville 100)
July 8, 2017 - Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop (RMCC), Golden, 200mi, 15,000ft
July 8, 2017 - Silver Rush 50, Race, Leadville, MTB (a LT100 qualifier)
July 8 or 9, 2017 - Triple Bypass, Evergreen to Avon (West), 120mi, 1-day
July 8-9, 2017 - Double Triple Bypass, Evergreen - Avon - Evergreen, 240mi, 2-days
July 9, 2017 - Triple Bypass, Avon to Evergreen (East), 120mi, 1-day
July 15, 2017 - Bob Cook Memorial Mt Evans Hill Climb Race, Idaho Springs, 28mi, 6,900ft
July 15, 2017- Bob Cook Mem'l Mt Evans Hill Climb Gran Fondo, Citizens-age, Idaho Springs
July 22, 2017 - Eriksen Tour de Steamboat, Steamboat Springs, 25/40/110mi
July 22, 2017 - Screamin’ Beaver Enduro, Fort Collins, Enduro MTB
July 22, 2017 - Telluride 100, Telluride, Endurance MTB
July 22-23, 2017 - Courage Classic, Summit and Eagle Counties, 3-days
July 23, 2017 - Colorado Trail Race, Durango, Endurance MTB
July 23, 2017 - 40 in the Fort, Fort Collins, XC /Endurance MTB
July 28-30, 2017 - Leadville Stage Race, Leadville, XC MTB (a LT100 qualifier)
July 29, 2017 - Grin & Barrett Black Canyon Buttkicker, Montrose, 33/50/75/115/155mi
July 29, 2017 - Denver to Aspen Classic (RMCC), Denver, 180mi
July 29, 2017 - Breck 100 Challenge, Breckenridge 100mi, MTB
July 30, 2017 - Colorado Park to Park Challenge, Denver to Winter Park, 96mi, 10,177 ft
July 8, 2017 - Tour de Ladies, Parker, 30/62.5m, women only
August 5, 2017 - Copper Triangle, Copper Mountain, 82mi
August 5, 2017 - Stonewall Century Bicycle Ride, Spanish Peaks, La Veta, 100mi
August 8, 2017 - The Colorado Classic Recon Ride, Colorado Springs, Stage 1, 16.32mi
August 12, 2017 - Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Leadville, 100mi, MTB
August 12, 2017 - The Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cycling Hillclimb Gran Fondo, 12.42m, ~8,000ft
August 12, 2017 - Vuelta a Dillon Fondo, Dillon, 20/60/90mi
August 12, 2017 - Steamboat Stinger, Steamboat Springs, Endurance MTB
August 13-18, 2017 - Breck Epic, Breckenridge, 35-50mi a day, 6-day stage race, MTB
August 19, 2017 - Food Rescue Ride, Cherry Creek State Park, 15/30mi
August 27, 2017 - Golden Gran Fondo, Golden, 30/50/80mi
August 26, 2017 - Venus de Miles, Longmont, 33/64/100mi, women only
August 26, 2017 - Rampart Rager (Gravel) Colorado Springs, 63mi
August 26, 2017 - Cycle For Life (for CF), Highlands Ranch, 49/65mi *good price
August 12, 2017 - BStrong Ride, Boulder, 24/69mi
August 19, 2017 - Wacky Bike Ride, Highlands Ranch, 6/25/45/62/100mi
August __, 2017 - Colo Bike Law Lookout Mountain Hillclimb, Golden, 4.6mi, 1228ft
August __, 2017 - Good Sam Bike Jam, Lafayette (Boulder County), 62/100mi
Aug/Sept 2017 - Boulder Fearsome Five, 16,000+ ft 100 miles, the Nation's toughest century
September 2, 2017 - Red Rocks Challenge, Red Rocks, 5/30/50/62mi
September 9, 2017 - G'Night Ride, Longmont, 1/3/12mi, cruiser family ride 
September 9, 2017 - Tour de Cure Colorado, Parker, 10/50/62/100mi
September 9-10, 2017 - Vapor Trail 125, Salida 125mi, 17000ft, midnight MTB, 1 night
September 10, 2017 - Buffalo Bicycle Classic, Boulder, 35/50/70/100/110mi  
September 10, 2017 - Golden Giddy Up, Golden, Festival, MTB, Enduro
September 15-17, 2017 - The Denver Post Pedal the Plains, Eastern Plains, 3-day Tour
September 16, 2017 - Pedal 4 Possible, Supporting Craig Hospital, Louisville, 100mi 10/50/100K
September 16-17, 2017 - Tour de Vineyards, Palisade, 25/58mi 
September 30 - October 1, 2017 - Vail Outlier, Vail, enduro, ultra XC, Demo, MTB, Festival
September 23, 2017 - Mountains To The Desert Bike Ride, Telluride, 72/101/104/132mi
September 23, 2017 - Bikes and Brews, Royal Gorge, Canon City, cruiser, road, MTB
September 23, 2017 - Royal Gorge Century, Royal Gorge, Canon City, 32/62/100mi
September 25, 2017 - The Crippler (Gravel) and Harvest Festival, Canon City 66mi
September 30, 2017 - Icon Tour of the Moon, Grand Junction, 62mi
September 14-17, 2017 - Salida Bike Fest, Salida, MTB, 4-days
September 16, 2017 - Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race, Salida 26mi, MTB
September 17, 2017 - Monarch Crest Crank, Salida, 25mi, MTB
September 30, 2017 - Ride 4 Success, Greeley, family/25/50mi
October 7, 2017 - Aspen Valley Ranch Mountain Bike Race, Woodland Park, USAC XC MTB

UTAH, NEW MEXICO, ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, OREGON

Some fun and interesting bike rides in 2017 near Colorado - a calendar of bike rides in Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, California and Oregon. Travel to a bike event is very exciting and fun to make a road trip out of a special event.

February 17-19, 2017 - 24 hrs of Old Pueblo, Tucson, AZ, 16.1 mile loops MTB
March 11, 2017 - True Grit Epic, Santa Clara, UT (Saint George), 50/100mi MTB
March 11-14 , 2017 - Skinny Tire Festival, Moab, Utah, bike, run
March 25-27, 2017 - Moab Rocks - TransRockies Race Series, Moab, UT, 3-day stage race MTB 
April 20-23, 2017 - Sea Otter Classic, Monterey, CA road, MTB downhill, enduro, Festival
May 7, 2017 - Gran Fondo Moab, Moab, UT, 65mi 
May 21, 2017 - Santa Fe Century, Santa Fe, New Mexico 20/50/100mi
June 24-25, 2017 - Rough Riders 200, Angle Fire, NM, 50/100/150/200mi, 2-days
June 24 - July 1, 2017- 109˚ West Bicycle Tour, Moab to Cortez, 7-day Tour
July 8, 2017 - The REAL Death Ride, Toru of the California Alps
July 23-29, 2017 - RAGBRAI, Iowa, 7-day event with lots of pie & watermelon!
July 27, 2017 - RAMROD, Oregon, ride around Mt Ranier in 1-day
July 29, 2017 - Laramie Enduro, Laramie, WY, 32/62mi MTB
August 26, 2017 - Cycle For Life (for CF), CO date, 49/65mi *good price (also in UT, AZ)
September 9-16, 2107 - Cycle Oregon, 8-day bike tour around Oregon
September 10, 2017 - LOTOJA, Utah to Wyoming, 200 mile 1-day race
September 17, 2017 - Amtrak Century, 100 miles Irvine to San Diego, CA (take the train back)
September 23, 2017 - Moab Century Tour, Moab, Utah, 40/60/100mi
September 30, 2007 - Levi's Gran Fondo, Santa Rosa, CA, 11-routes
October 21, 2107 - Solvang Century, Solvang, CA (nice location!)
November 18, 2017 - El Tour de Tucson, Tucson, AZ, ride 106, 76, 54, 37 or 28, 11, 5, 1/4 miles
November 10-12, 2017 - Zion Benduro, Virgin, UT, 2-day Multi-Stage Mountain Bike Race Reg 

REGISTRATION DATES

Key registration dates for bike rides and events in 2017. These sell out fast in Colorado! Mark your calendars to sign up for these very popular Colorado bike rides and races.

Leadville Trail 100 - MTB race. Lottery Dec 1-31, 2016. Notified mid-January and charged $425 registration fee. Read: Selection Rules for Leadville Trail 100. Sign up for the Leadville Camp and get a guaranteed entrance: more information. Qualifier Events launch January 16th - event qualifiers listed at Leadville Race Series. Race date: August 12, 2107.

Baily Hundo 100 - MTB race. If you started the 2017 race you are guaranteed an entrance into the 2017 race. 400 rider cap. Race date: June 17, 2017. $250 (minimum) donation entrance fee. Register. Race dates: June 17, 2917.

Triple Bypass - 2017 registration opens January 9, 2017 until sold out. Team Evergreen members can register on January 4th. Register. $165 one-day one-way, $295 for 2-day Double Triple Bypass ride. Ride dates: July 8-9, 2017.

Ride The Rockies - 2017 Lottery registration opens February 5 - February 26, 2017 (5pm) after their ride announcement party announces the route for 2017. No information until the route is announced on the Event website for this very popular Colorado week-long bike tour. Notifications of lottery acceptance in to Ride the Rockies will be on March 3, 2017. Ride Dates: June 10-17, 2017.

Iron Horse Bicycle Classic - 2017, Citizen's Tour and road and MTB races sell out fast. December 5, 2016 registration opens for Iron Horse Bicycle Classic 2017. Ride Race Dates: May 26-28, 2017

CHARITY RIDES

Because I now have a job helping non-profits file their tax returns, I am giving special mention this year to those events that fund raise or support local charities in Colorado. Some rides have required fundraising minimums. Teams often form in these charity rides and raise significant funds. See ride dates listed above.

• The Triple Bypass has donated $1.8 million dollars into local charities since it's beginning 16-years ago.  You can apply to receive donations for your organization.
• The Cloud City Wheelers who run the Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series and many other fat bike rides support Trips for Kids.
• The Bailey Hundo and Hundito raises money for Trips For Kids Denver/Boulder (TFK), Colorado High School Cycling League and Colorado Mountain Biking Association (COMBA), $250 minimum contribution.
• The Ironhorse Classic benefits the Davis Phinney Foundation.
• The BStrong ride benefits the Boulder Community Hospital and George Karl Foundation for cancer.
• The Tour de Ladies ride benefits the Douglas County Crisis Center.
• The Grin and Barret Ride benefits San Juan Cancer Center at Montrose Memorial Hospital.
• Pedaling for Parkinson's raises money for Parkinson's Disease.
• Buffalo Bicycle Classic raised funds for scholarships to students to CU-Boulder's College of Arts and Sciences.
• The Colorado Park to Park Challenge contributes to Wish For Wheels.
• The all-women ride Venus de Miles supports Greenhouse Scholars.
• Pedal 4 Possible supports Craig Hospital in Englewood specializing in brain injury and rehabilitation.
• The Mountains To The Desert Bike Ride raises money for the Just for Kids Foundation.
• Red Rock Challenge , Death Ride Tour and Death Ride Challenge all benefit ALS.
• Courage Classic benefits the Children's Hospital Colorado.
• The Denver Post Ride the Rockies and Pedal the Plains contributes to The Denver Post Community Foundation and also offers grants to a non-profit organization based in each of its host cities along the route.
• Bike MS Colorado for Multiple Sclerosis requires a minimum fundraising effort of $400.
• Tour de Cure benefits Diabetes. 
• Cycle For Life benefits Cyctic Fibrosis. 
• Pedal The Plains will benefit The Denver Post Community Foundation in support of Colorado FFA and Colorado 4-H.
• The Food Rescue Ride benefits Denver Food Rescue’s (DFR) heathly food access for all. 

2017 Honor Rides Schedule (rides this year in California, Ohio, Florida and New Hampshire). The Honor Ride is a non-competitive cycling event that lets the public ride alongside our healing heroes. Rides vary from 10-100 miles and are designed for all skill levels. Injured veterans ride for free. You can ride along with our Veterans.

Please refer to the website of Mad-Cycling to make a difference with your cycling by searching for charity rides across our great nation, with this one easy to use website: mad-cycling.com

CYCLING EVENTS

Local Colorado cycling EVENTS, FILMS, SUMMITS, SWAPS, EXPOS, PARTIES, FUNDRAISERS, and KEY REGISTRATION DATES in 2017:

List of Colorado bike swaps, special events, parties, bike meetings, award nights, key registration dates, bike camps and so much more.

December 1, 2016 - Lottery Registration opens for Leadville Trail 100 2017, MTB
December 5, 2016 - Registration opens for Iron Horse Bicycle Classic 2017
January 9, 2017 - Registration opens for Triple Bypass 2017
January 12-15 - Expo International Sportsman's Expo, Denver
January 21, 2017 - BRAC Cyclocross Council Meeting and Cross Cup Awards
January 23-27, 2017 - Various activities Winter Bike Week, Denver
January 25-29, 2017 - Festival Fat Bike World Championships, Crested Butte, Fat Bike
February, 2017 - Meetup Bikes Biz & Beer, Denver, every 2 months (must RSVP)
February 4, 2017 - Route Announcement Party for Ride the Rockies 2017
February 5 - February 26, 2017- Registration opens for Ride the Rockies 2017
February 5, 2017 - Advocacy Moving People Forward by Bicycle, Denver
February 7, 2017 - Hangout First Tuesday Bike & Brew (reoccurring) The Rayback Collective
February 28, 2017 - Colorado Bicycle Event Coalition Winter Conference (for Event Coordinators)
March 10-12, 2017 - Bike Show North American Handmade Bicycle Show, Salt Lake City, UT
March 31 - April 1, 2017 - Expo Colorado Outdoor Expo, Denver
April 28, 2017 - Fundraiser Bicycle Colorado Gala Fundraiser, Denver
May 5-7, 2017 - Camp Junior Road Camp, Larkspur, CO, Tri Velo Series
May 5-7, 2017 - Camp Junior MTB Camp, Larkspur, CO, Tri Velo Series
May 10, 2017 - Ride Movement National Walk Bike to School Day
May 15-19, 2017 - Ride Movement National Bike to Work Week
May 19, 2017 - Ride Movement Colorado Bike to Work Day (Friday!)
May 16, 2017 - Ride Movement National Bike to Work Day
May 19-20, 2017 - Expo Primal Colorado Bike Expo, Denver, 3-day outdoor event
May 19-21, 2017- The Grand Junction Off Road, Event and Music Festival, Grand Junction
June 3-4, 2017 - Eagle Outside Festival, Eagle, Festival, Demo, Camps, Rides
June 10, 2017 - GoPro Mountain Games, Vail, Road TT, Enduro, MTB, Art, Festival, dogs+
June 11, 2017 - Collectors Eddy Rando Ride with steel bikes! with party after
June 16-17, 2017 - Food Frisco BBQ Challenge, a great day to ride Summit County and then eat!
August 10-13, 2017 - Colorado Classic Professional Bike Race & Event, 4 Stages
August 11-13, 2017 - Velorama Colorado Music Festival (in conjunction with Colorado Classic)
November 4, 2017 - Swap Velo Swap, Denver, annual bicycle equipment swap
Fall of 2017 - Meeting Colorado Bicycle Summit, Denver, Advocacy

WOMEN ONLY

Women's only Cycling Event Bike Rides in Colorado in 2017:

If you enjoy the friendly atmosphere and good vibes of riding with other women - you will enjoy the show of strength and determination at these women only bike rides and races in Colorado:

June 3-4, 2017 - Beti Bike Bash, Lakewood, women-only XC MTB
July 8, 2017 - Tour de Ladies, Parker, 30/62.5m, women only
August 26, 2017 - Venus de Miles, Longmont, 33/64/100mi, women only

TOURS

Colorado MULTI-DAY Event Tour Rides (2-day, 3-day, week-long tours) in 2017:

Why not vacation in Colorado in 2017? Completely relax knowing all you have to do is pedal ... for a week.

June 10-12, 2017 - Death Ride Tour, Silverton, 225mi, 3-day Tour
June 10-17, 2017 - The Denver Post Ride The Rockies, 7-day Tour, 2000 cyclists!
June 18-24, 2017 - Bicycle Tour of Colorado, starts/ends Pagosa Springs, 7-day Tour
June 24-25, 2017- Bike MS Colorado, Westminster, 2-days
June 24-25, 2017 - Rough Riders 200, Angle Fire, NM, 50/100/150/200mi, 2-days
June 24-30, 2017 - Mavic Haute Route Rockies, 7-day timed multi-stage competitive ride
June 24 - July 1, 2017- 109˚ West Bicycle Tour, Moab to Cortez, 7-day Tour
July 8-9, 2017 - Double Triple Bypass, Evergreen - Avon - Evergreen, 240mi, 2-days
July 22-23, 2017 - Courage Classic, Summit and Eagle Counties, 3-days
August 13-18, 2017 - Breck Epic, Breckenridge, 35-50mi a day, 6-day stage race, MTB
September 9-16, 2107 - Cycle Oregon, 8-day bike tour around Oregon 
September 15-17, 2017 - The Denver Post Pedal the Plains, Eastern Plains, 3-day Tour

CENTURY

Colorado Road CENTURY bike rides in 2017:

These century rides in Colorado promise you the option of near or greater than 100-miles on a road bike in a single day. For a list of Metric Centuries (62.137 miles), please see the complete list of events at the top of this page).

May 13, 2017 - Triple C - Bike Ride, Broomfield, 102 miles
May 21, 2017 - Santa Fe Century, Santa Fe, New Mexico 20/50/100 miles
June 4, 2017 - Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival, Castle Rock, 100 miles
June 17, 2017 - Mountain Top Cycling Club Experience Ride, Woodland Park, 106 miles
June 17, 2017 - Coldwell Banker Denver Century Ride, Denver, 100 miles
June 24, 2017 - Pedaling for Parkinson's (P4P), Denver, 100 miles
July 8 or 9, 2017 - Triple Bypass, Evergreen to Avon (West), 120 miles
July 9, 2017 - Triple Bypass, Avon to Evergreen (East), 120 miles
July 22, 2017 - Eriksen Tour de Steamboat, Steamboat Springs, 110 miles
July 29, 2017 - Grin & Barrett Black Canyon Buttkicker, Montrose, 115 / 155 miles
July 30, 2017 - Colorado Park to Park Challenge, Denver to Winter Park, 96 miles 10,177 ft
July __, 2017 - SOS Outreach Colorado - Eagle River Ride, Beaver Creek, 100 miles
August 5, 2017 - Stonewall Century Bicycle Ride, Spanish Peaks, La Veta, 100 miles
August 12, 2017 - Vuelta a Dillon Fondo, Dillon, 90 miles
August 26, 2017 - Venus de Miles, Longmont, 100 miles, women only
August 19, 2017 - Wacky Bike Ride, Highlands Ranch, 6/25/45/62/100mi
August __, 2017 - Good Sam Bike Jam, Lafayette (Boulder County), 100 miles
Aug/Sept 2017 - Boulder Fearsome Five, 16,000+ ft 100 miles, the Nation's toughest century
September 9, 2017 - Tour de Cure Colorado, Parker, 100 miles
September 10, 2017 - Buffalo Bicycle Classic, Boulder, 110 miles 
September 16, 2017 - Pedal 4 Possible, Supporting Craig Hospital, Louisville, 100mi 10/50/100K
September 23, 2017 - Mountains To The Desert Bike Ride, Telluride, 101 / 104 / 132 miles
September 23, 2017 - Moab Century Tour, Moab, Utah, 40/60/100 miles
September 23 2017 - Royal Gorge Century, Royal Gorge, Canon City, 100 miles

Double Centuries in Colorado

Including the RMCC 2017 Challenge Series / Colorado Triple Crown Series ultra distance cycling events.

May 27, 2017 - Colorado Mesa Double Century, Grand Valley, 200mi
June 11, 2017 - Death Ride Challenge, Silverton, 225mi, 1-day
June 17, 2017 - Colorado Death Ride (RMCC), Durango, 1-day 225mi
July 8, 2017 - Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop (RMCC), Golden, 200mi, 15,000ft
July 29, 2017 - Denver to Aspen Classic (RMCC),Denver, 180mi

GRAN FONDOS

Colorado GRAN FONDOS or timed events in 2017:

Test yourself against the clock on these long road or mountain bike citizen races call Gran Fondos - all in Colorado.

June 3, 2017 - Palisade Gran Fondo, Palisade, 40/69 miles
May 20, 2017 - Pony Xpress (Gravel) Gran Fondo, Trinidad, 70/160K
May 26-28, 2017 - Iron Horse Bicycle Classic - Citizens Tour, Durango-Silverton, Road 50mi
June 3, 2017 - Palisade Gran Fondo, Palisade, 72mi chip-timed (fruit & wine country!)
July 30, 2017 - Colorado Park to Park Challenge, Denver to Winter Park, 96 miles 10,177 ft
August 12, 2017 - Vuelta a Dillon Fondo, Dillon, 20/60/90 miles
August 27, 2017 - Golden Gran Fondo, Golden, 30/50/80 miles

LONG DISTANCE

Randonneurring - EXTREME LONG DISTANCE cycling events in Colorado in 2017

There are more than 10,000 members of Randonneurs USA, find more information at www.rusa.org/. Randonneurring is long distance (200-1200+ mile) self-supported cycling. Brevets are randonneuring events. The events have time constraints and speed goals averaged whether still or moving. You'll find plenty of awards or certificates and incredible challenges, including the ultimate event, the Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur (every four years; next race August 2017) in France. A Populaire is a brevet-format ride shorter than 200km (100km-199km). To learn more randonneurblog. For a list of brevets in Colorado, please see Rocky Mountain Cycling Club. To seach the list of randonneur rides in the United States, please search by state at: Rondonneur Events.

• Brevet Schedule 2017 - 14 Randonneur events in Colorado, Brevet and Populaires

MOUNTAIN BIKE

Varied distances of Mountain Bike Events in Colorado for 2017: A calendar list of Mountain bike races and bike rides in Colorado and Utah in 2017. Some of these events may be both Fat Bike and Mountain Bike.


February 11, 2017 - Winter Mountain Bike Race Series Tennessee Pass Night Jam, Fat bike/MTB
February 18, 2017 - Winter Mountain Bike Race Series Winter bike @ Copper Mtn, Fat bike/MTB
March 4, 2017 - Winter Mountain Bike Race Series Mineral Belt Mayhem, Fat bike/MTB
March 11, 2017 - True Grit Epic, Santa Clara, UT (Saint George), 50/100mi MTB
March 18-20, 2017 - Four Seasons of Horsetooth Mountain Bike Stage Challenge, Fort Collins, MTB
March 25, 2017 - Winter Mountain Bike Race Series Great Divide Grinder, Fat bike/MTB
March 25-27, 2017 - Moab Rocks - TransRockies Race Series, Moab, UT, 3-day stage race MTB 
April 15, 2017 - Winter Mountain Bike Race Series East Side Epic, Fat bike/MTB
April 20-23, 2017 - Sea Otter Classic, Monterey, CA road, MTB downhill, enduro, Festival
April 27-30, 2017 - Fruita Fat Tire Festival, Fruita! multi-event, MTB
April 29, 2017 - Ridgeline Rampage, Castle Rock, 16-mile circuit, MTB
May 5-6, 2017 - 18 Hours of Fruita, Fruita, 7+mi repeated loop, MTB
May 13, 2017 - Desert Rats Mtn Bike Classic, Kokopelli Trail CO-UT, 50/100K, MTB
May 13, 2017 - Battle The Bear, Lakewood, 10/20/30/50mi, MTB
May 13, 2017 - 12 Hours of Mesa Verde, Cortez, MTB Endurance
May 19-21, 2017- The Grand Junction Off Road, Grand Junction 15/30/40mi, MTB
May 27, 2017 - Estes Epic, Estes Park, Endurance MTB
May 27-28, 2017 - The Half Growler, Gunnison, 32mi, MTB
May 27-28, 2017 - The Original (Full) Growler, Gunnison, 64mi, MTB
May 28, 2017 - Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Durango, XC MTB
June 3, 2017 - Subaru ERock Sunrise-Sunset Mountain Bike Race, Castle Rock MTB
June 3-4, 2017 - Beti Bike Bash, Lakewood, women-only XC MTB
June 3-4. 2017 - Eagle Outside Festival, Eagle, USAC State Champs XC, MTB
June 17, 2017 - Bailey Hundo Bailey, 102.47mi, MTB
June 17, 2017 - Bailey Hundito Bailey, Endurance MTB
July 8, 2017 - Silver Rush 50, Race, Leadville, MTB (a LT100 qualifier)
July 22, 2017 - Telluride 100, Telluride, Endurance MTB
June 24, 2017 - Snowmass Loop MTB Fondo, Snowmass Village, 20/40mi, MTB
June 24-26, 2017 - Four Seasons of Horsetooth Mountain Bike Stage Challenge, Fort Collins, MTB
July 28-30, 2017 - Leadville Stage Race, Leadville, XC MTB (a LT100 qualifier)
July 29, 2017 - Breck 100 Challenge, Breckenridge 100mi, MTB
July 4, 2017 - Firecracker 50, Breckenridge, Endurance MTB
July 8, 2017 - Leadville Silver Rush 50, Leadville, Endurance MTB
July 22, 2017 - Screamin’ Beaver Enduro, Fort Collins, Enduro MTB
July 23, 2017 - Colorado Trail Race, Durango, Endurance MTB
July 23, 2017 - 40 in the Fort, Fort Collins, XC /Endurance MTB
July 29, 2017 - Breckenridge 100 Challenge 100mi, MTB
July 29, 2017 - Laramie Enduro, Laramie, WY, 32/62mi MTB
August 12, 2017 - Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Leadville, 100mi, MTB
August 12, 2017 - Steamboat Stinger, Steamboat Springs, Endurance MTB
August 13-18, 2017 - Breck Epic, Breckenridge, 35-50mi a day, 6-day stage race, MTB
September 9-10, 2017 - Vapor Trail 125, Salida 125mi, 17000ft, midnight MTB, 1 night
September 10, 2017 - Golden Giddy Up, Golden, Festival, MTB, Enduro
September 23, 2017 - Bikes and Brews, Royal Gorge, Canon City, cruiser, road, MTB
September 30 - October 1, 2017 - Vail Outlier, Vail, enduro, ultra XC, Demo, MTB, Festival
September 14-17, 2017 - Salida Bike Fest, Salida, MTB, 4-days
September 16, 2017 - Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race, Salida 26mi, MTB
September 17, 2017 - Monarch Crest Crank, Salida, 25mi, MTB
October 7, 2017 - Aspen Valley Ranch Mountain Bike Race, Woodland Park, USAC XC MTB
November 10-12, 2017 - Zion Benduro, Virgin, UT, 2-day Multi-Stage MTB Race Reg

LONG DISTANCE OFF ROAD RIDES IN COLORADO

Colorado Gravel or Mountain Bike, 100K or 100-mile CENTURY bike rides in 2017:  

These century rides in Colorado promise you the option of near or greater than 100-miles on a gravel bike or mountain bike in a single day.

February 12, 2017 - Old Man Winter Rally, Lyons, 50K/100K, gravel, paved, run
May 6, 2017- AntiEpic 160 Gravel Grinder (RMCC), Monument, 76/160mi, (Gravel)
May 6, 2017 - Encierro Ride (Gravel), Elbert / Monument, 50/100K
May 13, 2017 - Desert Rats Mtn Bike Classic, Kokopelli Trail CO-UT, 50/100K, MTB
June 17, 2017 - Bailey Hundo Bailey, 102.47mi, MTB
July 29, 2017 - Breckenridge 100 Challenge 100mi, MTB
August 12, 2017 - Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Leadville, 100mi, MTB 
September 9-10, 2017 - Vapor Trail 125, Salida 125mi, 17000ft, midnight MTB, 1 night

GRAVEL

Gravel bike events in 2017 in Colorado:

February 12, 2017 - Old Man Winter Rally, Lyons, 50K/100K, (Gravel), paved, run
May 6, 2017- AntiEpic 160 Gravel Grinder (RMCC), Monument, 76/160mi, (Gravel)
May 6, 2017 - Encierro Ride (Gravel), Elbert / Monument, 50/100K
May 20, 2017 - Pony Xpress (Gravel), Trinidad, 70/160K
June 4, 2017 - Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival, (Gravel) Castle Rock, 27mi
August 26, 2017 - Rampart Rager (Gravel) Colorado Springs, 63mi
September 25, 2017 - The Crippler (Gravel) and Harvest Festival, Canon City 66mi

Weekly Gravel Rides

RMCC Erie Thursday Night Gravel Rides, January 5, 2017 through March 30, 2017 - every Thursday night in Erie, CO.

FAT BIKE

January 7, 2017 - Summit Mountain Challenge Fat Bike Series, Breckenridge, Fat Bike 
January 8, 2017 - Big Ring Fat Bike Race #1, plus "Smiles not Miles" casual ride, Conifer
January 8, 2017 - Dust2 Fat Bike Race, Pagosa Springs
January 11, 2017 - Full Moon Fat Bike Race, Steamboat Springs, Fat Bike
January 14, 2017 - Lone Cone Fat Bike Challenge, Norwood, Fat Bike
January 25-29, 2017 - Fat Bike World Championships, Crested Butte, 20mi, Fat Bike
February 4, 2017 - Silverton White Out, Silverton, Fat bike endurance
February 4, 2017 - Summit Mountain Challenge Fat Bike Series, Frisco, Fat Bike
February 4, 2017 - Eagle Vail Metro District Snow Bike, Vail Golf Course, Fat Bike/MTB ? 
February 11, 2017 - Winter Mountain Bike Race Series Tennessee Pass Night Jam, Fat bike/MTB
February 11, 2017 - Snow Mountain Ranch Fat Bike Round-Up, Granby, Fat Bike
February 12, 2017 - Big Ring Fat Bike Race #2, plus "Smiles not Miles" casual ride, Conifer
February 18, 2017 - Winter Mountain Bike Race Series Winter bike @ Copper Mtn, Fat bike/MTB
February 25, 2017 - Summit Mountain Challenge Fat Bike Series, Breckenridge, Fat Bike
March 4, 2017 - Winter Mountain Bike Race Series Mineral Belt Mayhem, Fat bike/MTB
March 11, 2017 - True Grit Epic, Santa Clara, UT (Saint George), 50/100mi MTB
March 11-14 , 2017 - Skinny Tire Festival, Moab, Utah, bike, run
March 12, 2017 - Big Ring Fat Bike Race #3, plus "Smiles not Miles" casual ride, Conifer
March 18-20, 2017 - Four Seasons of Horsetooth Mountain Bike Stage Challenge, Fort Collins, MTB
March 25, 2017 - Winter Mountain Bike Race Series Great Divide Grinder, Fat bike/MTB
March 25, 2017 - Great Divide Grinder, Monarch, Fat bike
April 15, 2917 - East Side Epic, Leadville, Fat Bike
April 15, 2017 - Winter Mountain Bike Race Series East Side Epic, Fat bike/MTB

HILLCLIMBS

March __, 2017 - Oredigger Classic Lookout Mountain ITT, Golden, 4.5mi (Facebook page)
May 20, 2017 - Ride for the Pass, Independence Pass opening the road, Aspen, 10mi
June 18, 2017 -Westbound and Down brewing Co. Hill Climb Guanella Pass, Georgetown, 11mi
July 15, 2017 - Bob Cook Memorial Mt Evans Hill Climb Race, Idaho Springs, 28mi, 6,900ft



CRUISING THE CITY

Colorado CRUISER rides in 2017

Short social bike rides around town, sometimes involving costumes, always involving rowdy fun.

Denver Cruiser Ride Denver Bike Nights - every Wednesday night, late spring to early fall, May to September 2017, typically near downtown Denver.
Longmont Bike Night - every Wednesday night, late spring to early fall, May to September 2017, near downtown Longmont.
Pueblo Cruiser Bike Rides - every Friday night, late spring to early fall, May to September 2017, near downtown Pueblo.
Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride, Boulder - every Thursday night, late spring to early fall, May to September 2017, near downtown Boulder.

CLIMBS OF COLORADO

For more information on the climbs of Colorado, and perhaps some ideas on new places to ride, please visit the Pedal Dancer® guide to Colorado Climbs at www.pedaldancer.com/p/colorado-climbs

Or visit my guide to Summit County Cycling at: www.pedaldancer.com/p/summit-county-cycling



COLORADO CYCLING TOUR COMPANIES

Cycling Sights Tours - dates July 23-30, 2017. 6-7 days Heart of Colorado cycling route


©All Photos by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

Prizes of the 2016 Tour de France

PRIZES TO THE WINNERS

A total of €2,295,850 million euros will be awarded at the 2016 Tour de France. That is almost €650 for every mile ridden in the race. Every year fans want to know, "How much do they make for winning the Tour de France?" Prize money can be quite good, especially for the rider who retains the yellow jersey for many stages in a row and wins the overall race. A rider such as Chris Froome, who has the potential to win the overall race (€500,000), win 1 mountain stage (€11,000) and perhaps stay in the yellow jersey for 8 out of the 21 stages (€4000), has the potential to win approximately €515,000.

Current World Champion Peter Sagan is said to be looking for 4-6 million, per year, for his next team contract.

Team Sky earned a total of €556,630 ($619,139) during the 2015 Tour de France; the vast majority of that sum earned by Chris Froome who won both the yellow and the polka-dot jersey. In contrast, the sixty team members of the Denver Broncos each earned a $102,000 (€91,734) bonus for winning the 2016 Super Bowl ($6,120,000 combined), and Wimbledon awarded £1,888,000 ($2,575,798) to the two (male and female) winners.

The Tour de France remains the most lucrative professional bike race on the calendar, not only for the amount earned at the race but for the potential of later team sponsorships and individual promotions. Each team splits the earnings from the Tour de France, offering each of the nine team members a split, plus the mechanics, soigneurs and bus drivers.

Every rider who participates in the Tour de France receives a money prize. The cash reward drops steeply from the 1st place rider but every rider from 20th place on, including the last placed rider (lanterne rouge) will receive €1000 for participating in the 2016 Tour de France.

New for 2016, the Most Aggressive jersey award will take into consideration the growing impact of Social Media. One vote on the panel of "cycling experts" will be considered from the fans voting for the most deserving rider on the stage.

Winners / Classifications / Leaders

Classification Jerseys of the Tour de France, jerseys provided by Le Coq Sportif:

- Yellow: General classification.
- Green: Points classification.
- Red and white polka dots: Mountains classification.
- White: Youth classification.
- Yellow dossard: Best Team classification
- Red dossard: Most Aggressive rider from the stage

Prizes for Yellow Jersey - Tour de France

Yellow Jersey prize for the Tour de France: The yellow jersey (overall leader, le leader du classement général au temps, Le Maillot Jaune) will win €500,000 at the end of the tour, but an additional €552,000 will be awarded throughout the three-week stage race to total €1,002,000 for the total yellow jersey prize purse alone. Every day a rider wears the yellow jersey they receive a monetary award. Yes it is tradition that the yellow jersey winner divides his final €450.000 among his eight teammates. The overall yellow jersey winner also receives a trophy black bowl) on the podium during the final presentation in Paris. The yellow jersey is sponsored by LLC (financial services).

Yellow jersey prizes for the final podium of the Tour de France 2016:
1st - €500,000
2nd - €200,000
3rd - €100,000

Prize money for a single day in the yellow jersey will be €500 in 2016.

The winner of the yellow jersey in 2015 was Chris Froome.

Many of us recognize the coiled Giro d'Italia trophy but how many of us have paid attention the to Tour de France trophy bowl? It is actually quite nice looking close up.

________

Prize for Green Jersey - Tour de France

Green Jersey prize for the Tour de France: The green jersey (points winner, classement par points, Le maillot vert) will win €25,000 at the end of the tour, but an additional €103,000 will be awarded throughout the three-week stage race to total €128,000 for the total green jersey prize purse. The green jersey is sponsored by Skoda (cars).

Sprint jersey prizes on the final podium of the Tour de France 2016:
1st - €25,000
2nd - €15,000
3rd - €10,000

Every day a rider wears the green jersey they receive a monetary award. Prize money for a single day in the green jersey will be €300 at the 2016 Tour de France.

Prize money is also awarded daily at each intermediate sprint marker, the winner gets €1,500, second place €1,000 and third place €500.

The green jersey in 2015 was won by Peter Sagan (for the fourth year in a row!).

Prize for Polka-dot Jersey - Tour de France

Polka-dot Jersey prize for the Tour de France: The polka- dot jersey (mountain / classement de la montagne, Le maillot à pois) will win €25,000 at the end of the tour, but an additional €103,000 will be awarded throughout the three-week stage race to total €128,000 for the total polka-dot jersey prize purse. The polka-dot jersey is sponsored by Carrefour (market).

Mountain jersey prizes on the final podium of the Tour de France 2016:
1st - €25,000
2nd - €15,000
3rd - €10,000

Every day a rider wears the mountain jersey they receive a monetary award. Prize money for a single day in the polka-dot jersey will be €300 at the 2016 Tour de France.

Special climbing bonus awards given during the 2016 Tour de France:

Three different €5,000 bonus awards will be paid out to the first rider to the top of three designated climbs. The first rider during Stage 8 to reach the Souvenir Jacques Goddet on Col du Tourmalet will win €5,000. During Stage 10 the highest point of the race will be reached on Port d’Envalira (2,408m) and the first rider to the top will earn the Souvenir Henri Desgrange award of €5,000. The final Prix Bernard Hinault will be awarded to the fastest rider on Stage 18 during the short 2.5km Cote de Domancy climb included in the individual time trial, earning the final €5,000 bonus of le tour.

The best climber in 2015 was Chris Froome.

Prize for White Jersey - Tour de France

White Jersey prize for the Tour de France: The white jersey (mountain / Le maillot blanc) will win €25,000 at the end of the tour, but an additional €40,000 will be awarded throughout the three-week stage race to total €65,000 for the total white jersey prize purse. The white jersey is sponsored by Krys (optical).

Best Young Rider jersey prizes on the final podium of the Tour de France 2016:
1st - €20,000
2nd - €15,000
3rd - €10,000

Every day a rider wears the white jersey they receive a monetary award. Prize money for a single day in the white jersey will be €300 at the 2016 Tour de France.

The best young rider in 2015 was Nairo Quintana.

More Awards

Prize for Best Team - Tour de France

Best Team prize for the Tour de France: The best team (Le classement par équipes) will win €50,000 at the end of the tour, but an additional €128,000 will be awarded throughout the three-week stage race to total €178,000 for the total best team prize purse. Every day a team remains at the top of the leader board for the best team they receive a monetary award. The best team is sponsored by RAGT Semences (grains).

Best Team prizes on the final podium of the Tour de France 2016:
1st - €50,000
2nd - €30,000
3rd - €20,000
4th - €12,000
5th - €5,000

Every day a team earns or remains at the top of the best team ranking they receive a monetary award. Prize money for a single day as the best team will be €2800 at the 2016 Tour de France.

The top team in 2015 was Movistar.


Prize for Most Aggressive - Tour de France

Most Aggressive prize for the Tour de France: The rider who demonstrates braveness, an attacking spirit and fair play during the stage (Le Prix de la combativité) will win a daily prize from a total purse of €56,000, with the final super-combative rider chosen on the final stage earning €20,000 at the end of the tour. Every day a different most combative rider is chosen after the stage. The prize is sponsored by Antargaz (gasoline) and symbolized by a red dossard (bib number).

Starting in 2016, fans will have the opportunity to vote through Social Media for their choice for Most Aggressive rider (Twitter: @LeTour #TDF2016 and Facebook: facebook.com/letour ). Fans' vote will count as 1 vote on a jury together with former riders, American Greg Le Mond and Frenchman Laurent Jalabert, plus two journalists and Tour de France race director Thierry Gouvenou. Should the voting end in a tie, Gouvenou will have the deciding say.

Super-Combative Rider prizes on the final podium of the Tour de France 2016: Final award - €20,000

Every day a rider is awarded the most combative award they receive a monetary award. Prize money for a single day in the red dossard will be €2000 at the 2016 Tour de France.

Romain Bardet won the final super-combative award in 2015.

Prize for Stage wins - Tour de France

The winner of each stage is awarded a prize of €11,000. Second place on the stage wins €5,500 and third place €2,800. Prize money is awarded down to 20th place on each stage, with 20th place earning €300. The youngest rider (under age 25) with the highest placing on each day's stage also earns an additional €500 for the day.

Stage win prizes for each stage podium of the Tour de France:
1st - €11,000
2nd - €5,500
3rd - €2,800

André Greipel won the most stage wins, four different stage wins, during the 2015 Tour de France. Chris Froome won only 1 stage.

Prize for every rider in the Tour de France

Every rider who participates in the Tour de France is guaranteed at least €1000 for participation plus they are each awarded a medal; given to the riders prior to the start of the race.

Time bonuses in the Tour de France

Time bonuses are awarded at the end of every mass-start stage (i.e. no time bonuses on offer in individual and team time trials). The first three riders get 10, 6 and 4 seconds, respectively.

Prize money in case of Disqualification

With regard to prizes, the results of a positive anti-doping control test are as follows: • any competitor declared positive following a given stage shall forego all earnings obtained during this stage. • any competitor disqualified from the race shall forego all earnings and prizes acquired from the day of the control test in question.


RULES OF THE RACE

Powerbar sponsors the stage wins

Stage Victory

Stage victories: The 21 stage victories will be been sponsored by Powerbar. Stage victories are simply the fist man over the line, or the man with the fastest time on the stage (individual time trials).

Classifications, Sponsors, and the rules

Riders must finish the Tour de France in order to appear in the best classification ranking.

LCL sponsors the yellow jersey

Yellow Jersey

Will be awarded daily, worn by the leader of the general individual time classification. The general individual time ranking is established by adding together the times achieved by each rider in the 21 stages including time penalties. In the event of a tie in the general ranking, the hundredth of a second recorded by the timekeepers during the individual time trial stages will be included in the total times in order to decide the overall winner. The Yellow Jersey has been sponsored by LCL since 1987.

Skoda sponsors the green jersey

Green Jersey

Will be awarded daily, worn by the leader of the points classification. There is only one intermediate sprint on each stage, with number of points tied to difficulty. The one intermediate sprint marker is now (as of 2011) worth more points for the leading riders. Together with points earned at the final stage finish line, all points are tallied daily to determine the overall "Points Leader" or green jersey wearer. The Green Jersey has been sponsored by Skoda since 2015.

The individual points ranking is obtained by adding together the points recorded in the individual rankings for each stage, according to the following tables, and taking into account penalty points: •for the stages with no particular difficulty (art. 22-coeff. 1): 50-30-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-7-6-5- 4-3 and 2 points for the first 15 riders to finish; •for the “medium mountain” in-line stages (art. 22-coeff. 2 and 3): 30, 25,22,19,17, 15,13,11,9,7,6,5,4,3 and 2 points for the first 15 riders to finish; •for the very difficult stages (art. 22-coeff. 3 and 4 and 5): 20,17,15,13,11,10,9,8,7, 6,5,4,3,2,1 points for the first 15 riders to finish. In the event of a dead heat in a stage finish, the riders are credited with the number of points they would receive, divided by the number of riders concerned. These points are then rounded up to the nearest ½ point: •for the individual time trial stage (art.22-coeff. 6 and 7): 20,17,15,13,11,10,9,8,7,6, 5,4,3,2,1 points to the first 15 riders to finish; •for each intermediate sprint, the first 15 riders to finish will receive 20,17,15,13,11,10,9, 8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 points respectively. The points are won on the intermediate sprints and at the stage.

Time bonuses in the Tour de France: Time bonuses are awarded at the end of every mass-start stage (i.e. no time bonuses on offer in individual and team time trials). The first three riders get 10, 6 and 4 seconds, respectively.

Carrefour sponsors the Polka-dot jersey

Red Polka Dot Jersey

Will be awarded daily, worn by the best climber. Points for the best climber classification are awarded at the top of any classified slope (not all climbs are classified). The prize money is doubled on the stage finishes that will take place at the summit of climbs. The general best climber ranking is established by adding together the points obtained on all passes and hills, according to the following tables: • “Highest level” passes: 25, 20, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 points respectively for first 10 riders to finish; • category 1 passes: 10,8,6,4,2,1 points respectively to the first 6 riders to finish ; • category 2 passes: 5,3,2,1 points respectively to the first 4 riders to finish; • category 3 passes or hills : 2, 1 points, respectively to the first 2 riders to finish; • category 4 passes: 1 point to the first rider to finish. Points awarded are doubled for finishing on the 9th, 12th, 17th and 19th stages. In the event of a tie between two riders in the general best climber ranking, the rider with the most first places at highest level pass summits is declared the winner. The Polka Dot Jersey is sponsored by Carrefour.

Krys sponsors the white jersey

White Jersey

Will be awarded daily, worn by the best young rider aged 25 years old or less (born since 1st January 1991) in the general individual time classification. The White jersey has been sponsored by Krys since 2015.

Antargaz sponsors the best team award

Best Team classification

This classification is determined by adding the times of the best three riders on each team after each stage. If there is a tie between teams in stage rankings, the three best places achieved in that stage by each team are added together. In case of a further tie, the teams are decided by the placing of their best rider in the stage. Any team reduced to fewer than three riders will be disqualified from the general team ranking. The current best team can wear yellow helmets during the following stage. The team classification is sponsored by RAGT Semences.

RAGT sponsors the most aggressive award

Most Aggressive

This is a subjective but inspiring award.  This prize is awarded daily with one super-combative award given on the final stage in Paris.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Read more of your questions answered at: Facts about the Tour de France on TourChaser.com

Please visit the brand new website by Pedal Dancer, with much more information about the Tour de France: TourChaser.com