11 August 2015

How to see Stage 5 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - ITT

https://twitter.com/karenrakeFRIDAY, August 21, STAGE 5 - Breckenridge Individual Time Trial

Where is the best place to see Stage 5 (and Stage 1 of the women's race) of the 2015 USA Pro Challenge as a fan? Today the answer is easy - anywhere. You will be treated to five hours of non-stop action during the Breckenridge Individual Time Trial. Fast bikes, fast racers, festival of vendors, activities, free concerts and all in a great mountain town.

The women's Stage 1, begins at 10:50 am. The men's Stage 5, begins at 1:00 pm. This easy one-page guide is intended to help locals and tourists better plan for watching Stage 5 in Breckenridge, Colorado.

Find what you need to know about the USA Pro Challenge in Breckenridge, below in the following order: Stage 5 dates, stage information, start time, finish time, sprint location, KOM location, classification Jerseys, route map, climb profiles, race organization, city tourism, town websites, local events, road closures, VIP tickets, apparel, TV coverage, Tour Tracker app, media coverage, stage preview, recommendations, where to ride, results, current standings and photos.

THE ESSENTIALS
  • August 21st
  • Breckenridge, Colorado 
  • 108 riders will begin the men's time trial  
  • Men and women race the same course for equal prize money ($11k x 3 deep)  
  • 8.5 miles. Each rider will be on course between 17 and 21 minutes total 
  • Starters at 1-minute intervals, last 10 riders at 2-minutes 
  • AMATEUR race begins at 10:00 am (remember the course will be busy)
  • WOMENS Stage 1 Start time: 10:50 am 
  • WOMENS Stage 1 Finish time: 12:35 pm
  • MENS Stage 5 Start time: 1:00 pm 
  • MENS Stage 5 Finish time: 3:50 pm 
  • Please plan your early arrival to see the women's race
  • No Sprint or KOM points 
  • 2:15 pm - Women’s Awards Ceremony on the Awards Stage on the Riverwalk Center lawn
  • 3:50pm (est.) - Men’s Awards Ceremony on the Awards Stage on the Riverwalk Center lawn 
  • Stage Schedule / Log Stage 5: streets and distances
  • The race in Breckenridge: gobreck.com
  • Breckenridge Stage 5 Finish Festival hours: 10:30 am - 5:00 pm 
  • Big screen TVs located at the Riverwalk Center lawn
  • LEXUS CLUB VIP Hospitality opens at 1:00pm at Blue River Plaza
  • Free Concert with Los Lobos at Riverwalk Center 7:30 pm
  • Camping and Parking for Stages 2, 3 and 4 in Summit County: USDA Forest Service
  • Road closures: CDOT
  • Road closures in Breckenridge: gobreck.com   
  • Parking easily accessible to the ski lots in Breck (diversion on Hwy 9 around Main St)
  • No dogs are allowed at any special events in Breckenridge.  
The last ten male racers will be (starting 2 minutes apart):


Toms Skujins (Lat) Hincapie Racing Team 0:01:01
Julien Bernard (Fra) Trek Factory Racing 0:00:55
Davide Formolo (Ita) Cannondale-Garmin 0:00:48
Jaime Roson (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA 0:00:44
Lachlan David Morton (Aus) Jelly Belly 0:00:42
Hugh Carthy (GBr) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA
Jonathan Clarke (Aus) UnitedHealthcare 0:00:27
Robbie Squire (USA) Hincapie Racing Team 0:00:26
Brent Bookwalter (USA) BMC Racing Team 0:00:13
Rohan Dennis (Aus) BMC Racing Team 17:24:03

Map of 2015 USA Pro Challenge Colorado
Map of 2015 USA Pro Challenge Colorado
Beautiful Breckenridge. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
THE RACE

STAGE 5 - Breckenridge ITT maps - Individual Time Trial
Friday, August 21, STAGE 5 - individual time trial

The 1st stage of the women's race will take place on the same day as the men's 5th stage in Breckenridge. Be aware of early road closures.

Race Preview - Stage 5 USA Pro Challenge 2015

Nothing is better than hanging out along the road with a low heart rate and watching some of the best pro racers whiz by on a sleek time trial bike. Overall times will be within a four minute range for finishing times. Seconds matter in a time trial and this time trial has hills and descents at altitude with turns (and screaming fans all along the short route). Short, sweet, and oh will it ever hurt.

Women's Stage 1

The women's individual time trial will conclude prior to the men's start/finish, making an excellent opportunity for fans to see both the men and women race for equal prize money. Sean Petty will serve as the Race Director for the Women’s USA Pro Challenge. The women will race for three days, beginning in Breckenridge, they will race the same course as the men. They will race a modified course the next day from Loveland to Fort Collins preceding the men. The final women's stage will be based in Golden on Sunday, where a fast criterium will demonstrate diversity and speed.

Continous excitement. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
THE TEAMS AND RIDERS

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

WOMENS TEAMS: Read much more about the teams selected in this Pedal Dancer® post: USA Pro Challenge 2015 Women's Teams Announced

BMC Soigneur Trudy, waiting to help riders after they finish. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
THE ROUTE
  • 8.5 Miles / 14 Kilometers / 792 ft of climbing
  • Max Elevation: 10,088ft 
  • Highlights: 4+ hours of continuous action as each rider challenges himself /herself against the clock.
  • Stage 5 Route Map pdf
  • Stage 5 Climb Profile pdf
  • Zoom in Maps  
  • Stage Schedule / Log: streets and distances  
  • The men and women will race the same course 
How steep is Moonstone Rd?

Moonstone Rd has a Max grade of 8.3%, for 0.4 mi, Elev+134. The road is much steeper on the next road after Moonstone - County RD 503 - which pitches to a steady 10.8%, for 0.2mi
USA Pro Challenge Stage 5 Breckenridge Time Trial 2015
USA Pro Challenge Stage 5 Breckenridge Time Trial 2015
Breckenridge time trial Stage 5 USA Pro Challenge 2015
Breckenridge time trial Stage 5 USA Pro Challenge 2015
THE ORGANIZATION

Race website: USAProCyclingChallenge.com
Twitter: @USAProChallenge #ProChallenge
Facebook: USAProChallenge
Sponsors: Founding and Official Race Partners

Stage 5 jersey - 2015 Buy
THE PLACE 

Area History

Breckenridge has more character and breathtaking beauty than any other town in Summit County, mostly due to it's charming Main St architecture (the largest historical district in Colorado) and the surrounding snow-capped mountain peaks (which are numbered 6 - 10). Gold was discovered along the Blue River in 1859, the entire river basin has been reformed from massive mining. The Gold Pan Saloon was built in 1859 and is still in operation today at 103 N. Main Street.
  • Stages in Breckenridge: Stage 4 & 5
  • Town of Breckenridge: townofbreckenridge.com
  • The race in Breckenridge: gobreck.com/events/usa-pro-cycling-challenge
  • Accommodations: search in Breckenridge and nearby Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne
  • Camping and Parking for Stages 2, 3 and 4 in Summit County: USDA Forest Service
  • No dogs are allowed at any special events in Breckenridge. 

Restaurant recommendations in Breckenridge (listed north to south)
  • Broken Compass Brewing Beer (just off the bike path back to Breckenridge) Location 68 Continental Ct, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
  • Soupz On, Soup, breads, salads and sandwiches. Mon - Sat 11:00am-6:00pm. Location 400 North Park Avenue, Unit b-2, Breckenridge, CO.
  • Local Market, Groceries and Liquor. Location 116 North Main Street, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
  • Giampietro Pasta & Pizza, Good pasta and pizza in this very small restaurant, also has take-out. Open daily 11:30am- 9:30pm. Location 100 N. Main St. # 212, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
  • Columbine Cafe, Good hearty healthy breakfasts. Location 109 South Main Street, Breckenridge, CO 80424
  • Downstairs at Eric's, Good for big parties, families and kids, quite dark downstairs but popular. Location111 South Main Street, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
  • Starbucks, As usual coffee, pastries and sandwiches. Location 225 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
  • Crepes a la Cart, Crepes to go, outside seating only. Located in a small trailer, very popular for quick snacks all day long. Location 307 South Main Street, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
  • Empire Burger, Burgers! Open daily 11:00am - 1:00pm. Location La Cima Mall, 500 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
  • Blue Moose Cafe, Standard breakfast and lunch. Open daily 7:00am - 1:00pm. Location 540 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
  • Breckenridge Brewery, Beer and basic brewery food. Open daily 11:00am-11:00pm. Location 600 South Main Street, Breckenridge, CO 80424.

THE FUN (so many events - see them all)

Race
  • 10:00 am - AMATEUR race begins at 10:00 am (remember the course will be busy)
  • 10:45 am - Opening Ceremonies for Women’s Inaugural USA Pro Challenge Time Trials on North Main St
  • 10:50 am - WOMENS Stage 1 Start time 
  • 12:35 pm - WOMENS Stage 1 Finish time
  • 12:45 pm - Opening Ceremonies for Men’s Time Trial on North Main St.  
  • 2:15 pm - Women’s Awards Ceremony on the Awards Stage on the Riverwalk Center lawn
  • 1:00 pm  - MENS Stage 5 Start time
  • 3:50 pm - MENS Stage 5 Finish time
  • 3:50pm (est.) - Men’s Awards Ceremony on the Awards Stage on the Riverwalk Center lawn  
Activities
  • All Day: Maxxis Stunt show on the Riverwalk Center lawn
  • All Day: Kid Zone south end of the festival
  • All day: Austin Bike Zoo, ArtCrank and more bicycle-themed fun in the Breckenridge Arts District
  • 11:00-11:45 am - Yoga on the Riverwalk Center lawn
  • 10:30-12:00 pm - Brews and Blues (and Bloody Marys!) in the Festival Village beer garden
  • 1:00-2:00 pm - Pond Crossing at the Dredge pond
  • 1:00-2:00 pm - Live Interviews with the Women racers on the Entertainment Stage in the Festival Village 
  • 7:30pm - Free concert with Los Lobos at the Riverwalk Center 
Water games in Breckenridge in 2014. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
There are plenty of other activities to do in this town (or within Summit County):
The town waits. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
THE ROADS & PARKING
  • Parking will be easily accessible to the ski lots in Breck (diversion on Hwy 9 around Main St) 
  • Road closures and times, for Stage 5: CDOT (select by stage tab at the left).
  • State Highways Impacted: SH 9 - expect delays, detours and backed up traffic
  • Complete list of road closures in town of Breckenridge: gobreck.com/events/usa-pro-cycling-challenge. Roads impacted: Highway 9, Boreas Pass rd, Wellington Rd, Royal Tiger Rd, Moonstone Rd, Jefferson Ave, Main St.
  • Camping and Parking for Stages 2, 3 and 4 in Summit County: USDA Forest Service 
Full road closures in place: No traffic is allowed on the course other than official race vehicles. The routes of the Individual Time Trial on Stage 5 in Breckenridge will have full road closure (closed all of the time). This is to allow for a constant stream of cyclists along the route. 

There will be designated crossing points on the route supervised by volunteers or security personnel. 


THE SPECTATOR
  • VIP buy tickets
  • Volunteer sign-up
  • Visit the Host Cities   
  • See the route Maps & Profiles
  • Community Events Rides, Art, Movies and Concerts
  • Shop for apparel Buy Tshirts and memorabilia or find the merchandise trailer on race day
  • Read the blog Cyclesense 365
  • Read recent Press Releases
I am hoping they were watching Tour Tracker! Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
Best place to watch the Time Trial in Breckenridge - my recommendations
  • Start ramp 
  • Turn around at Coyne valley Rd
  • Any corners along the route
  • Royal Tiger Rd (crowds of fans)
  • Climb of Moonstone Rd
  • County Rd 502 - the steepest 0.2 section of the route
  • Fast corner from Boreas Pass onto S. French Rd.
  • Finish line
Individual time trial start and finish area in Breckenridge - Stage 5 recommendations for where to see the time trial
Walk to and from Moonstone Rd

Move around during the time trial. The waking trail between Main St & French St (where the race will be taking place) and the fun crowd up on Moonstone Rd. (click to enlarge_
Let's Talk VIP

Read more at: Should I buy a VIP ticket to the USA Pro Challenge? by Pedal Dancer®

The VIP tent will be in Blue River Plaza (marked below) as it has been in past years.  The VIP tent usually extends down the pretty plaza, with the short end of the tent on the street. Last year additional stadium seating was added for better VIP viewing. The VIP tent in right near the finish line.

VIP tent location:
The VIP tent will be in Blue River Plaza near the finish line.
Obtaining autographs during a time trial - please respect the rider's preparation

There are unwritten rules of cycling for fans as well as racers. One of the unwritten rules for fans is that you do not call out or interrupt a rider while he or she is warming up on a trainer (bike on a stand) outside the team bus prior to his/her individual start time at the start ramp. This time is devoted to warming up correctly.

Also never call into the holding area behind the start ramp. Please be respectful for the rider's process of psyching themself up to race his or her hardest during a time trial. Respect the rider to concentrate only on his gear, his start time call up and his mental readiness.

When it is fine to ask for an autograph at a time trial: if you happen to see a rider in his normal team clothing (pants and monogrammed shirt) upon arriving at the team bus prior to putting on his kit and warming up. Or if you see him/her arrive at his team bus AFTER their time trial is completed.

Serghei Tevetcov Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis waiting anxiously in 2014 for his individual time trial.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
Individual Time Trial

contre la montre - against the watch
contre la montre individuel - Individual Time Trial
contre la montre par équipe - Team Time Trial

Kiel Reijnen (UHC) begins his time trial last year in Vail. He will again be wearing green this year in Breckenridge. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
Race Standings

General classification after stage 4

1 Rohan Dennis (Aus) BMC Racing Team 17:24:03
2 Brent Bookwalter (USA) BMC Racing Team 0:00:13
3 Rob Squire (USA) Hincapie Racing Team 0:00:26
4 Jonathan Clarke (Aus) UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling 0:00:27
5 Hugh Carthy (GBr) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA 0:27
6 Lachlan Morton (Aus) Jelly Belly 0:00:42
7 Jaime Roson (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA 0:00:44
8 Davide Formolo 0:00:48
9 Julien Bernard (Fra) Trek Factory Racing 0:00:55
10 Toms Skujins (Lat) Hincapie Racing Team 0:01:01

Who is currently wearing the jerseys at the start of Stage 5? Look for these riders:

Personally I would have liked to see Rohan Dennis wearing a yellow, green and red skinsuit, but he will share the spoils with others tomorrow. 
 
Yellow: Rohan Dennis (winner of the yellow, green and red jersey)
Best Colorado Rider: Alexandr Braico (Mda) Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis
Green: Rohan Dennis (will be worn by Kiel Reijnen)
Mountain: Rohan Dennis (will be worn by Brent Bookwalter)
Best Young: Hugh Carthy
Aggressive: Robbie Squire of Hincapie
Best Team: BMC

Race for Best Teams:
1BMC Racing Team52:14:01
2Hincapie Racing Team0:01:14
3Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis0:01:33
4Trek Factory Racing0:06:24



THE COVERAGE

TV coverage of Stage 5: Universal Sports Network
Stage 5- 08/21/20152:00 PM(MDT) LIVE
Stage 5- 08/21/20157:00 PM(MDT) Repeat

Tour Tracker

Pro Challenge Tour Tracker for laptop/destop, iphone, ipad, android devices.

Media coverage at the race

Media Coverage of the race will be provided by: Velo News, Cycling News, Steephill.TV & VeloImages, The Denver Post, Pedal Dancer® and many local newspapers.  

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


PEDAL DANCER®

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

Pedal Dancer® recommendations for Stage 5:
  1. Tip #1: Bring an external charger for your phone because you are going to want to watch both your Tour Tracker app to follow standings, and track down your friends or family throughout the long day. This will be a stage where there will be A LOT TO SEE and you will be spread out across the events and course. 
  2. Tip #2: Pull up the start list on Tour Tracker to see which rider is coming next. There will be some passing on even this short course, but once you see the team kit, you should know who is coming next. Cheer their name loud as they pass you!
  3. Tip #3: Take the time to really look at the bikes. The time trial bikes will be set out in front of the team buses prior to the start so that riders may warm up. Don't disturb the riders, but do check out these fast bikes. 
  4. Tip #4: Walk back and forth to both the start and the finish. 
  5. Tip #5: At the start: Watch the names being place on the team cars as they line up to follow their rider. Watch the riders as they approach the start area (riding their bikes) and also then move so you can see their face while on the start ramp seconds before the clock signals them to begin. 
  6. Tip #6: Be at the finish to see the time differences as they cross. The start order does not AT ALL reflect the rider's ability on a TT bike. Time trial specialists will be dotted throughout the day and will not necessarily all start at the end of the day. 
  7. Tip #7: The start order for the day will be the reverse order of the General Classification standings after Stage 4 (the finish the night before in Breckenridge). Racers will start at 1-minute intervals, with the last 10 riders starting at 2-minutes apart. Expect the racers and team cars to be very close to each other. 
  8. Tip #8: I recommend staying over in Breckenridge, if possible, to see the finish of Stage 4 on Thursday, August 20th, and the women's and men's Stage 5 Individual Time Trial on Friday, August 21st.
Crazy hats awarded on the podiums of Breckenridge is now a tradition.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
Pedal Dancer® posts about the race in 2015:
  1. How to see Stage 1 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Steamboat
  2. How to see Stage 2 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Steamboat / ABasin
  3. How to see Stage 3 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Copper / Aspen
  4. How to see Stage 4 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Aspen / Breck
  5. How to see Stage 5 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Breck ITT!
  6. How to see Stage 6 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Loveland / Fort Collins
  7. How to see Stage 7 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Golden / Denver
Friendly spectators on Wellington Rd. in 2014. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
CYCLING NEAR STAGE 2, 3, 4 

Pedal Dancer® - cycling near Breckenridge:

I am proud to be a selected Ride with GPS Ambassador to Summit County. See my other Ride with GPS Ambassador rides near Stage 2 finish (oh yes, you could stay here all week and ride your bike):

For tips on restaurants and services along these bike routes and in Breckenridge - please click on these links to see recommendations on a map: 
The start ramp. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
STAGES 1-7

Stages and Host Cities for 2015 USA Pro Challenge in Colorado - MENS
  • Stage 1: Monday, Aug. 17 – Steamboat Springs Circuit Race
  • Stage 2: Tuesday, Aug. 18 – Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin
  • Stage 3: Wednesday, Aug. 19 – Copper Mountain Resort to Aspen
  • Stage 4: Thursday, Aug. 20 – Aspen to Breckenridge
  • Stage 5: Friday, Aug. 21 – Breckenridge Individual Time Trial
  • Stage 6: Saturday, Aug. 22 – Loveland to Fort Collins
  • Stage 7: Sunday, Aug. 23 – Golden to Denver
Stages and Host Cities for 2015 2015 USA Pro Challenge in Colorado - WOMENS
  • Stage 1: Friday, August 21 - Breckenridge (Individual Time Trial)
  • Stage 2: Saturday, August 22 - Fort Collins 
  • Stage 3: Sunday, August 23 - Golden (finishes prior to the start of the men's race)



THE RESULTS of STAGE 5

Stage Winner:

First –  Rohan Dennis (AUS) of BMC Racing Team
Second – Rob Britton (GBR) of Axeon Cycling Team
Third – Brent Bookwalter (USA) of BMC Racing Team

Jersey Winners

Yellow: Smashburger Leader Jersey – Rohan Dennis (AUS) BMC Racing Team
Green: Lexus Sprint Jersey – Rohan Dennis (AUS) BMC Racing Team
Red: Sierra Nevada King of the Mountains Jersey – Rohan Dennis (AUS) BMC Racing Team
Blue: Colorado State University Best Young Rider Jersey – Tao Geoghegan Hart (GBR) Axeon Cycling Team
Orange: FirstBank Most Aggressive Rider Jersey – Robbie Squire (USA) of Hincapie Racing Team
Dark Blue: Edward Jones Best Colorado Rider Jersey – Alexandr Braico (MDA) of Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis

Photos of the race in Breckenridge: Please see my Twitter account at @KarenRake




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