PEDAL DANCER GUIDE PAGES

20 September 2015

Time Trial World Championships - The Competition Facts

The Facts of the Race

World Championships are back on U.S. soil this year - this week - and begin today in Richmond, Virginia. Nop, I have never been to the city, nop I am not there. But I do want to watch the competition. I started to search for just the simple facts of the race (and it took me awhile): start times, who is racing, where are they racing and  how can I watch the time trial if I am not at the race.

Much of the fun of any competition is guessing who will win and by how much (BMC, Movistar, Ettix, Orica, Sky). The next best part of a competition is making sure you don't miss it! The times should get faster with every team to take the start ramp.


Date: TODAY September 20, 2015
TTT Race Women: 11:30 a.m. – 12:55 p.m.
TTT Race Men: 1:30 p.m. – 3:35 p.m.
Start Times & Roster: WOMEN team start time and startlist (via Velo News)
Start Times & Roster: MEN team start time and startlist (via Cycling News)
Route of the Time Trial: Course Map
Course Distance: 38.8 km (24.1 miles)

How to watch the time trial:
  • Watch Live online - richmond2015.com/live
  • Richmond 2015 App: Download
  • Womens TTT Live at 11:30 ET / 9:30:00 AM MDT and
    Mens TTT Live at 13:30 ET / 11:30:00 AM MDT  (unfortunately many links area geo restricted)
  • 2015 UCI Road World Championships - TV Schedule  (UCI) - *CNBC returns live at 12:00pm for the Men's time trial (after a 1 hour gap between the women's and men's race coverage).
  • Tip for watching: TV networks need to place frequent ads, so watch the Richmond 2015 app during commercials. You can find the Live coverage on the app (*free) under the menu tab (not on the home page). 

Map of Team Time Trial course:

The time trial course begins in Henrico County at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, racing through Richmond's historic Northside neighborhoods, the route travels along rural Route 5 paralleling the Virginia Capital Trail winding through the historic Civil War site of Richmond National Battlefield Park, returning into the city at Shockoe Bottom onto Governor Street and finally the final 680 meters false flat climb to the finish line. 

Route of Richmond Time Trial
Downtown Richmond, Virginia

In case you are at the race - you will need to know how to Navigate the Worlds - Roads Guide to Sunday, September 20th. Wow, it looks very confusing. Good thing the course is relatively flat (240m /787ft change in elevation) and basically anywhere you watch at team time trial is exciting.

News: Team Sky to start Worlds TTT with all six riders, despite training crash. By Cycling News

Which teams have won the team time trial in the past years?

Sometime wikipedia is extremely helpful in presenting condensed information.


07 September 2015

2015-16 Colorado Cyclocross Race Calendar and Professional CX Calendar

Cyclo-cross race calendar list for the 2015-2016 season

Cyclocross continues to grow across the country and especially in the pro ranks internationally where more and more races appear in new countries every year (yes, China has caught the cx bug). Here in Colorado, our race list has shrunken a bit with six weekend days left wide open on a traditionally packed race calendar. Ah well, perhaps it will result in greater field numbers in those races which remain (and more winter home projects completed).

This is now my fourth year of compiling a cyclo-cross race calendar list. You will see a few race calendars out there, but I continue to compile my trademark lists because I believe less clicking is always a good thing. I also know some cyclists who copy these lists directly into other software and customize a complete season plan for themselves, considering key races, training, traveling, and family time.

I will be honest - nothing on the list below excites me more than someday traveling to see CX World Championships in Europe (this year Worlds are in the epicenter of cx - Belgium!). For now, a few good snowy days out photographing local races with my camera in hand will do me fine. I continue to learn more about sports photography and be inspired by the athletes who get out and race no matter the conditions (or the course).

Best of luck to all the racers in 2015. I wish you speed and fitness through the cold autumn and winter months. And thanks to the hard working race organizers and volunteers who provide the platform for fun. Thanks also to the race and team sponsors who make it all possible.

©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
COLORADO CYCLOCROSS RACE SCHEDULE

Colorado Cyclo-cross 2015 races - Front Range weekend races:

09/13/15, Sunday - Rhyolite Park Cross, Castle Rock Race Flyer
09/19/15, Saturday - Cyclo X - Valmont, Series Race #1, Boulder Race Flyer
09/20/15, Sunday - no race
09/26/15. Saturday - Cyclo X - Boulder, Series Race #2, Boulder Race Flyer
09/27/15, Sunday - no race
10/03/15, Saturday - Breaking the Barriers Amy D. Memorial, Boulder
10/04/15, Sunday - Primalpalooza, Golden Race Flyer GOLD
10/09/15, Saturday - Cross of the North, Loveland (3-days)
10/10/15, Saturday - Cross of the North, Loveland (3-days)
10/11/15, Sunday - Cross of the North, Loveland (3-days)
10/17/15, Saturday - Cowboy Cross, Denver
10/17/15, Saturday - US Open of Cyclocross, Boulder Reservoir (2-days) UCI Pro CX
10/18/15, Sunday - US Open of Cyclocross, Boulder Reservoir (2-days) UCI Pro CX
10/24/15, Saturday - Blue Sky Cup, Longmont
10/25/15, Sunday - Cyclo X - Flatirons, Series Race #3, Boulder Race Flyer GOLD
10/31/15, Saturday - Schoolyard Cross, Longmont
11/01/15, Sunday - Feedback Cup, Golden Race Flyer
11/07/15, Saturday - Cyclo X - Interlocken, Series Race #4, Broomfield Race Flyer
11/08/15, Sunday - Sonic Boom CX
11/14/15, Saturday - Cyclo X - Sierra Lake, Series Race #5, Broomfield Race Flyer
11/15/15, Sunday - MileHigh Urban CX Chaos, Denver
11/20/15, Saturday - Cyclo X - Louisville Rec, Series Championship, Race Flyer GOLD
11/22/15, Sunday - no race 
11/??/15, coming soon - Turkey Cross 2015 (Facebook page)
11/28/15, Saturday - Parker Cross, Parker
11/29/15, Sunday - no race
12/05/15, Saturday - Rocky Mountain Cross Regional Championships Race Flyer GOLD
12/06/15, Sunday - no race 
12/12/15, Saturday - Littleton Cross, Littleton
12/13/15, Sunday - no race 
12/19/15, Saturday - BRAC CX Championships (2 days)
12/20/15, Saturday - BRAC CX Championships (2 days)
*Additional Race Flyers added as made available

Jeremy Powers 2014. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
Colorado Cyclo-cross 2015 races - Wednesday night series: Powered by Primal Wear

09/02/15, Wednesday - Back to Basics Cyclocross Series #1, Golden Race Flyer
09/09/15, Wednesday - Back to Basics Cyclocross Series #2, Golden Race Flyer
09/16/15, Wednesday - Back to Basics Cyclocross Series #3, Golden Race Flyer
09/23/15, Wednesday - Back to Basics Cyclocross Series #4, Golden Race Flyer
09/30/15, Wednesday - Back to Basics Cyclocross Series #5, Golden Race Flyer
10/07/15, Wednesday - Back to Basics Cyclocross Series #6, Golden Race Flyer

©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
Other race calendars:
Men's Elite Podium Boulder Cup 2014. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
VIEW MY CYCLOCROSS PHOTOGRAPHY FROM 2011-2014

Did you know that I have been photographing cyclocross in Colorado since 2011?  I hope to photograph a few races during the 2015 cx season. View your fun and hard work (and my many hours of editing), here: Pedal Dancer Photography

All ages at the Breaking Barriers Amy D Memorial race in 2014. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
CYCLOCROSS CLINICS AND CAMPS - improve your skills

Weekend Clinics in Golden - offered by Inspired Training Center - two Sundays (9am-1pm)

08/30/15 - Cyclocross 101 p/b Inspired Training Center
09/27/15 - Cyclocross 101 p/b Inspired Training Center

Wednesday night Clinics in Golden - offered by Inspired Training Center (4-5pm)

09/02/15 - Colorado Cyclo-cross 2015 clinics and skills
09/09/15 - Colorado Cyclo-cross 2015 clinics and skills
09/16/15 - Colorado Cyclo-cross 2015 clinics and skills
09/23/15 - Colorado Cyclo-cross 2015 clinics and skills
09/30/15 - Colorado Cyclo-cross 2015 clinics and skills
10/07/15 - Colorado Cyclo-cross 2015 clinics and skills 

©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
Wednesday Clinics in Grand Junction - offered by Mountain and Desert Racing 

09/02/15 - Klishy Cyclocross Clinics - Cyclocross 101
09/09/15 - Klishy Cyclocross Clinics - Cyclocross 201
09/23/15 - Klishy Cyclocross Clinics - Advanced Cylcocross 1
09/30/15 - Klishy Cyclocross Clinics - Advanced Cyclocross 2
10/07/15 - Klishy Cyclocross Clinics - Back to Basics 1 / Bike Handling 1
10/14/15 - Klishy Cyclocross Clinics - Back to Basics 2 / Bike Handling 2
10/21/15 - Klishy Cyclocross Clinics - Cyclocross Application 1
10/28/15 - Klishy Cyclocross Clinics - Cylcocross Application 2
11/04 – 12/22: Available upon request

One of Katie Compton's many bikes. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
Cyclocross Camps - offered through Bicycle Racing Association of Colorado

09/12/15, Saturday - BRAC Womens CX Camp, Lottleton CO More Information
09/25/15, Saturday - BRAC Junior CX Camp in Empire CO More Information
09/26/15, Saturday - BRAC Junior CX Camp in Empire CO More Information
 
Bike Demo and Clinics - offered through Boulder Cycle Sport in Boulder

09/02/15, Wednesday - Focus Cyclocross Demo Day with Jeremy Powers (5-8pm)
09/09/15, Wednesday - Focus Cyclocross Demo Day with Noosa CX Team (5-8pm)

Adaptive bikes category at Urban CX, Denver. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
ANNUAL CX RACES - the ones we all talk about

"Biggest cyclocross race in America" A 15 year tradition.
Feel like you are at Cross Vegas without walking the long corridors of pricey Las Vegas hotels - attend a local live race viewing party.
Cross Vegas
  • Race date: September 16, 2015, Las Vegas, Nevada www.crossvegas.com
  • Live Online: watch the webcast online Live: Behindthebarriers.tv
  • Day before event: September 15, 2015 - Meet the Pros from 6-8pm *Free
  • This is your chance to see some of the best European cx pros race in the U.S.A. 
  • 09/16/15 at 8:30pm: There will be a ticketed live race viewing party of Cross Vegas in Littleton, Colorado at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (7301 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton, Colorado), more information.
  • 09/16/15 at 8:00pm: There will be a free Boulder cx live race viewing party of Cross Vegas sponsored by REEB Cycles | Cyclhops | Oskar Blues Brewery at Cyclhops (600 S. Airport Rd, Longmont, Colorado), more information
2016 CYCLO-CROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships 2016
Plan ahead: Hartford, Connecticut, will host the 2017 event and Reno, Nevada, will host the 2018 USA Cycling cyclocross national championships. Read more at Velo News.

2016 CYCLO-CROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Location of CX World championships 2016
Parcours 2016 Cyclocross World Championships Heusden-Zolder, België (that black area is a bunch of industrial buildings)
Current World champion Mathieu van der Poel in the cyclo-cross rainbow jersey. Photo credit (my absolute favorite cx photographer!) Kristof Ramon for Cyclocrossrider.com
UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships 2016
A U23 womens category has been added to Worlds for the 2015-16 season. All men and women in all categories now receive equal prize money. “The UCI began to introduce equal prize money to its World Championships in 2013 on the occasion of the UCI cyclo-cross world championships in Louisville,” Brian Cookson was quoted as saying in VeloNews in June 2015.

Jeremy Powers and Allen Krughoff running the stairs at Valmont Park in Boulder Colorado. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
PRO CYCLO-CROSS RACE SCHEDULE

Coupe du Monde UCI - 2015-16 UCI World Cup Schedule cyclo-cross MEN & WOMEN

09/16/15 - CrossVegas World Cup (USA)
10/18/15 - Valkenburg World Cup (NED)
11/22/15- Koksijde World Cup (BEL)
12/20/15 - Namur World Cup (BEL)
12/26/15 - Heusden-Zolder World Cup (BEL)
01/17/16 - Lignières-en-Berry World Cup (FRA)
01/24/16 - Hoogerheide World Cup (NED)
01/30-31/15 - Cyclocross World Championships – Heusden-Zolder (BEL) (2 days)
*View the Full UCI Cyclocross Calendar and World Cup Schedule on CXMagazine.

 Jean Robic - the first World Champion of cyclocross in 1950. Photograph via cyclingart.blogspot.com
Pro CX 2015/16 USA Cycling Professional Cyclo-cross Calendar (19 states will host races in 2015)

09/05/15 Full Moon Vista - Ellison Park Cyclocross Festival Rochester, NY UCI 1
09/06/15 Full Moon Vista - Ellison Park Cyclocross Festival Rochester, NY UCI 2
09/12/15 Nittany Lion Cross Breiningsville, PA UCI 2
09/13/15 Nittany Lion Cross Breiningsville, PA UCI 2
09/16/15 Clif Bar Cross Vegas UCI World Cup Las Vegas, NV UCI WC (No Pro CX Points)
09/26/15 Gran Prix of Gloucester Gloucester, MA UCI 2
09/27/15 Gran Prix of Gloucester Gloucester, MA UCI 2
10/03/15 KMC Cyclo-cross Festival Providence, RI UCI 1
10/04/15 KMC Cyclo-cross Festival Providence, RI UCI 2
10/10/15 Charm City Cross Baltimore, MD UCI 2
10/10/15 Trek CXC Cup Waterloo, WI UCI 1
10/11/15 Trek CXC Cup Waterloo, WI UCI 2
10/11/15 Charm City Cross Baltimore, MD UCI 2
10/17/15 HPCX Jamesburg, NJ UCI 2
10/17/15 US Open of Cyclocross Boulder, CO UCI 2
10/18/15 US Open of Cyclocross Boulder, CO UCI 2
10/18/15 HPCX Jamesburg, NJ UCI 2
10/24/15 DCCX Washington, DC UCI 2
10/25/15 DCCX Washington, DC UCI 2
10/31/15 Cincy @ Kings CX After Dark Mason, OH UCI 1
11/01/15 Pan Am Continental Cyclo-cross Championships Covington, KY CC (No Pro CX Points)
11/017/15 Cycle-Smart International Northampton, MA UCI
11/07/15 Derby City Cup< Louisville, KY UCI 1
11/08/15 Derby City Cup Louisville, KY UCI 2
11/08/15 Cycle-Smart International Northampton, MA UCI 2
11/14/15 The Subaru Cyclo Cup Lakewood, WA UCI 2
11/15/15 The Subaru Cyclo Cup Lakewood, WA UCI 2
11/21/15 Supercross Cup Stony Point, NY UCI 2
11/21/15 CXLA Weekend Live at the Greek! Los Angeles, CA UCI 2
11/22/15 CXLA Weekend Live at the Greek! Los Angeles, CA UCI 2
11/22/15 Supercross Cup Stony Point, NY UCI 2
12/04/15 Jingle Cross Iowa City, IA UCI 2
12/05/15 Jingle Cross Iowa City, IA UCI 1
12/05/15 Ruts N' Guts Broken Arrow, OK UCI 2
12/05/15 NBX Gran Prix of Cross Warwick, RI UCI 2
12/06/15 Jingle Cross Iowa City, IA UCI 2
12/06/15 Ruts N' Guts Broken Arrow, OK UCI 2
12/06/15 NBX Gran Prix of Cross Warwick, RI UCI 2
12/12/15 Resolution 'Cross Cup Dallas (Garland), TX UCI 2
12/12/15 North Carolina Grand Prix Hendersonville, NC UCI 2
12/13/15 Resolution 'Cross Cup Dallas (Garland), TX 2
12/13/15 North Carolina Grand Prix Hendersonville, NC
12/19/15 Highlander 'Cross Cup Waco, TX UCI 2
12/20/15 Highlander 'Cross Cup Waco, TX UCI 2
01/03/16 Kingsport Cyclo-cross Cup Kingsport, TN UCI 2

Alpha Racing Team. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
Junior Men UCI races 

10/03/15 - KMC Cyclo-cross Festival Providence, RI UCI 1 (2 days)
10/04/15 - KMC Cyclo-cross Festival Providence, RI UCI 2 (2 days)
10/31/15 - Cincy @ Kings CX After Dark Mason, OH UCI 1
11/01/15 - Pan Am Continental Cyclo-cross Championships Covington, KY CC (No Pro CX Points)
11/07/15 - Derby City Cup Louisville, KY UCI 1 (2 days)
11/08/15 - Derby City Cup Louisville, KY UCI 2 (2 days)
11/21/15 - CXLA Weekend Live at the Greek! Los Angeles, CA UCI 2 (2 days)
11/22/15 - CXLA Weekend Live at the Greek! Los Angeles, CA UCI 2 (2 days)
*See a list of Junior Men UCI races in Belgium and Netherlands
 
U23 Men UCI race in the USA

11/01/15 - Pan Am Continental Cyclo-cross Championships Covington, KY CC 
11/21/15 - CXLA Weekend Live at the Greek! Los Angeles, CA UCI 2 (2 days)
11/22/15 - CXLA Weekend Live at the Greek! Los Angeles, CA UCI 2 (2 days)
*See a list of U23 UCI races in Belgium and Netherlands

Katie Compton. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
CXNC 2015 Cyclo-cross National Calendar

Races that seek UCI inscription and inclusion on the USA Cycling Pro Cyclo-cross Calendar (Pro CX) must first be part of the CXNC for at least one year.
 
10/19/15 - Cross Reno Cyclocross Race, Reno, NV
10/20/15 - Ogden CX, Ogden, UT
10/24-25/15 - The North Coast Gran Prix of Cyclocross, Cleveland, OH (2 days)
11/08/15 - Savannah Superprestige CX Weekend, Savannah, GA
11/14/15 - Mad Anthony CX Detroit, MI
11/21/15 - Cyntergy Hurtland, a Tulsa Tough Production, Tulsa, OK
12/06/15 - OVCX Finale at Indy Cycloplex, Indianapolis, IN
12/12-13/15 - Deschutes Brewery Cup, Bend, OR (2 days)


RACE RESULTS

Cyclo-cross Race Results 2015:
The Gates Carbon Drive cyclocross team volunteering at Urban Cyclocross in 2014. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
COLORADO CYCLOCROSS EVENTS
  • 09/16/15 - Clif Bar CrossVegas Live Viewing Party (8:30pm-midnight), The Alamo Drafthouse Littleton: 7301 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton. Screening both the Women’s and the Men’s Elite Races. Fundraiser, door prizes and much more: only $10! Info and Tickets (under Showtimes right column).
  • January 2016 - Colorado Cross Cup Awards Party. Location and more info TBD.
  • February 2016 - Anvile Awards , the local Boulder post season awards party at BCS. Location and more info TBD.
Worldwide news of the sport on Cyclocross Rider
NEWS AND PHOTOS
  • CyclocrossRider.com - Perfect articles and great pictures to keep up on news of the sport worldwide.
  • CyclocrossNetwork.com Latest news, plus sharing channels and podcasts
  • CXhairs.com - In the Crosshairs, the view from a traditional blogger style reporter.
  • MudandCowbells.com - Local Boulder blogger Greg Keller
  • Grit.cx - Articles on cx from around the world, gear reviews, plus a forum. 
  • Cyclocross Magazine - Good news, tech and videos.
  • VeloNews - A collection of cyclocross news and interviews on this one page.
  • BikeRadar.com - The place to drool over cx bikes and truly learn about equipment.
  • Fullspeedahead.com - Encouragement and news about athletes using their FSA products.
Colorado is a fantastic place to race cyclocross. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
OTHER AREA CYCLOCROSS WEBSITES
It is curiously fun to see what others are doing across the world to grow this sport.
Every weekend  in September through December, a cyclocross race is happening somewhere. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
Is it cyclocross, cyclo-cross or cx?

Most often in local racing clubs and on race flyers you will notice usage of the more casual word cyclocross. Travel to Europe and the words add a hyphen to become cyclo-cross. The Union Cycliste International (UCI) and USA Cycling (American governing body) also use the more formal combining of words: cyclo-cross. CX is a shorter version handy for quick abbreviation or social media. Google will correct you from cyclecross to "showing results for cyclocross."


This cyclocross race calendar list has been compiled for you by Pedal Dancer®. You may see more Pedal Dancer race and ride calendar lists here. More cyclocross photographs may be seen at: Pedal Dancer Photography. 2015 galleries will be added as I attend a race.

Always grateful to the companies that sponsor cyclocross teams and races. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
See you at the races.

©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

31 August 2015

2015 USA Pro Challenge Guide for Fans

2015 USA Pro Challenge Spectator and Race Guide Pedal Dancer guide to the race for fans

2015

Pedal Dancer® coverage of the 2015 USA Pro Challenge  Route Maps | Men's Teams Announced | Men's startlist of pro racers | Women's Teams & Riders | TV coverage | Should I buy a VIP? | Stage 1 in Steamboat Springs | Stage 2 in Steamboat and Arapahoe Basin | Stage 3 in Copper Mountain and Aspen | Stage 4 in Aspen and Breckenridge | Stage 5 ITT in Breckenridge | Stage 7 in Golden and Denver | Colorado Cycling | Colorado Climbs | Traveling to Steamboat | Team Presentation | Press Conference

The USA Pro challenge is now in it's fifth year, every year the race begins in a new city, this year that honor goes to Steamboat Springs where the race begins on August 17th. Highlights for the race in 2015 include two passes over Independence Pass, an individual time trial in Breckenridge, an eventful four days in Steamboat Springs to start the race, a climb up Rist Canyon and Lookout Mountain, two first-ever visits to Arapahoe Basin and Cooper Mountain Resort, and a final four lap circuit in downtown Denver before the big finish in front of the Stage Capital.

Expect a very nice week in Colorado. Opportunities to be a fan along the route abound and are free (unless you prefer to purchase a VIP ticket or package experience). Being a spectator is an excellent family activity. If you enjoy cycling - bring your bike and pedal the same roads as the pros. The race continues to be popular with both fans and pro racers who give praise to organizers and look forward to returning with their teams year after year.

About the 2015 USA Pro Challenge Race:

Dates: August 17-23, 2015 - men's race, begins in Steamboat Springs
Dates: August 21-23, 2015 - women's race, begins in Breckenridge
7 Stages, 865 Miles, 32 Hours of Racing, 16 Cities
USAProCyclingChallenge.com, Twitter @USAProChallenge,  FB USAProChallenge
Final roster list: print it out 2015 Mens Roster

Map of 2015 USA Pro Challenge Colorado
Map of 2015 USA Pro Challenge Colorado

NEWS & UPDATES  I keep this Guide Page updated constantly!

Startlists: Riders Announced! List of pro racers for USA Pro Challenge 2015
TV Coverage: changed networks: TV coverage for USA Pro Challenge 2015

Road Closures: which roads will be closed for the USA Pro Challenge in your town this year? cotrip.org - travel advisories for roads along the race route offering exact roads and closures times.

The start of Stage 1 in Aspen in 2014. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
SPECTATOR GUIDES by Pedal Dancer®

(stage guides are currently carefully being prepared for you while you are out on your daily bike rides)
What you need to know about each stage of the USA Pro Challenge on one resource page where you will find, in order, Stage dates, stage information, VIP tickets, apparel, city tourism, town websites, local events, TV coverage, Tour Tracker app, media coverage, stage preview, recommendations, where to ride, road closures, start time, finish time, route map, climb profiles, sprint location, KOM location, results, current standings, photos, and race links.
  1. How to see Stage 1 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Steamboat Springs
  2. How to see Stage 2 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Steamboat / A-Basin
  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 / Breckenridge
  5. How to see Stage 5 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Breckenridge 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
Pedal Dancer® blog posts related to the race in 2015:
Top 15 spectator tips to see the race by Pedal Dancer®:
  1. Check road closures
  2. Allow time to watch the women's race before the men's race.
  3. Bring water, food, sunscreen and a rain jacket(!)
  4. Ride your bike up a mountain! 
  5. Ride your bike into the city: use bike valets or bring a lock 
  6. Visit the team buses at the start of a stage and ask the mechanics a question
  7. Use Tour Tracker app to watch while you wait
  8. Enjoy the festival at every finish area while you wait 
  9. Be on a mountain: Rabbit Ears Pass, Arapahoe Basin, Independence Pass, Hoosier Pass
  10. Buy a VIP ticket in Steamboat Springs, Fort Collin or Denver (if you can $$), but be sure to wander around outside of the VIP tent as well. 
  11. Stay overnight in a host city (if you can).
  12. Stay to enjoy dinner (or listen to a concert) after a stage finish and let the traffic die down. 
  13. Go to more than one stage: see a start, a finish, a mountain top, a sprint, a KOM, a feed zone (feed zone locations are not published, but signs are placed on the road).
  14. Bring 3 sharpie pens for autographs (just in case you loose one)
  15. Always carry something to autograph, just in case you see your favorite racer before or after a stage, or while walking around town.
The race in 2015:

Crossing some of the most spectacular scenery in Colorado, through many of our most popular towns, this bike race is called a stage race (UCI 2.HC). The same group of riders will race day after day for seven days, from city to city across the state of Colorado, with no rest day. The man (and woman!) with the lowest time wins. Although the Grand Tours in Europe (Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, Vuelta a Espana) are up to 3-weeks in length, and the Tour of California is an 8-day race extending over two weekends, the Colorado tour is a one week race from Monday, August 17th through Sunday, August 23rd.

How will you see the race in 2015?

Location of Colorado in the U.S.A.
The thrill of the race. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

A relaxing day at the race. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
Fun on a mountaintop (the scene on Independence Pass). Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
MEN'S RACE - stages

Stages and Host Cities for 2015 USA Pro Challenge in Colorado - MENS (maps below)
  • Stage 1: Monday, Aug. 17 – Steamboat Springs
  • Stage 2: Tuesday, Aug. 18 – Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin
  • Stage 3: Wednesday, Aug. 19 – Copper Mountain Resort to Aspen
  • Stage 4: Thursday, Aug. 20 – Aspen to Breckenridge
  • Stage 5: Friday, Aug. 21 – Breckenridge Individual Time Trial
  • Stage 6: Saturday, Aug. 22 – Loveland to Fort Collins
  • Stage 7: Sunday, Aug. 23 – Golden to Denver
2015 will be the 5th year of this 7-day stage race which bring locals, tourists and tourist money to the state of Colorado. The only professional bike race in Colorado of this caliber, The USA Pro encourages fans to show up to root for their favorite riders and see who will win the overall General Classification. Tejay Van Garderen won the race in 2013 and 2014.

WOMEN'S RACE - stages

Stages and Host Cities for 2015 2015 USA Pro Challenge in Colorado - WOMENS (maps below)
  • Stage 1: Friday, August 21 - Breckenridge (Individual Time Trial same day as men)
  • Stage 2: Saturday, August 22 - Fort Collins
  • Stage 3: Sunday, August 23 - Golden (finishes prior to the start of the men's race)
This is the first inaugural 3-day USA Cycling sanctioned invitation-only USA Pro Challenge women's stage race. The race will take place on the final weekend in the same cities as the men's race and will share parts of the men's course. The women's race will conclude prior to the men's 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.

Head to Steamboat Springs early so you can see and ride next to the teams training in the days before the race start! Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®



PEDAL DANCER RACE COVERAGE FOR 2015

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

The race begins in Steamboat Springs - a welcoming cowboy ski town northwest of Denver. The following day there will be an early climb over Rabbit Mountain and a final climb to the ski station of Arapahoe Basin (ABasin) - one of my favorite roads to cycle in Colorado (especially the nearby Loveland Pass). Next the peloton will depart Copper Mountain, another ski village, and climb over Fremont Pass and Independence Pass into the familiar city of Aspen. They won't stay long, the next day the riders climb back over Independence Pass once again, and Hoosier Pass to descend into Breckenridge. The next day the 9600'ft elevation individual time trial will take place. This will be a do not miss day in Breckenridge (it's a Friday).

Breckenridge is an excellent choice to base the peloton and it's entourage for two nights. As welcoming as Steamboat, the city is scenic and excels at hosting large events. The peloton heads to the front range for the last two stages, racing from Loveland to Fort Collins through the magnificent Rist Canyon, and finally from Golden up Lookout Mountain into downtown Denver. Four fast laps around the capital city will mark the end of the week long race in Colorado. Whereever you see the race - enjoy!

HOW TO WATCH THE USA PRO CHALLENGE

TOUR TRACKER

TourTracker™: Watch the USA Pro Cycling Challenge live on your computer, tablet, or mobile device. (web not yet available for download)

TELEVISION COVERAGE

Pro Cycling Challenge - TV Coverage, UNIVERSAL Sports Network (Not NBC or NBC Sports)
All times are Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) 

Preview Show 08/16/2015 2:00 PM (MDT) Premiere
Preview Show 08/16/2015 5:00 PM (MDT) Repeat
Preview Show 08/16/2015 8:00 PM (MDT) Repeat
Preview Show 08/16/2015 11:00 AM (MDT) Repeat
Stage 1 - Monday 08/17/2015 2:00 PM (MDT) LIVE
Stage 1 08/17/2015 7:00 PM (MDT) Repeat
Stage 2 - Tuesday 08/18/2015 2:00 PM (MDT) LIVE
Stage 2 08/18/2015 7:00 PM (MDT) Repeat
Stage 3 - Wednesday 08/19/2015 2:00 PM (MDT) LIVE
Stage 3 08/19/2015 7:00 PM (MDT) Repeat
Stage 4 - Thursday 08/20/2015 2:00 PM (MDT) LIVE
Stage 4 08/20/2015 7:00 PM (MDT) Repeat
Stage 5 - Friday (ITT!) 08/21/2015 2:00 PM (MDT) LIVE
Stage 5 08/22/2015 7:00 AM (MDT) Repeat
Stage 6 - Saturday 08/22/2015 2:00 PM (MDT) LIVE
Stage 6 08/23/2015 6:00 AM (MDT) Repeat

Pro Cycling Challenge - TV Coverage, NBC Network:
Stage 7  - Denver         8/23/2015    2:00 PM (MDT)  LIVE Final!
Stage 7       (re-NBC)  08/24/2015 4:00 PM (MDT)  Delay

See the race LIVE! Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
Media coverage at the race

Press Conference Daily: Post race press conferences will be shown live on prochallenge.com
Media Coverage of the race will be provided by: Velo News, Cycling News, Steephill.TV & VeloImages, The Denver Post, Pedal Dancer® and Pro Velo Passion.

Photographer and journalists tweets from the race (I will add more as I verify they are at the race, and tweeting): @karenrake (Pedal Dancer), @Eibhir, @butterflywriter (Pro Velo Passion),
 
Follow the race: USA Pro Challenge: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram






THE COMPETITORS

TEAMS

Men  

Read much more about the teams selected in this Pedal Dancer post: Which Teams will race in the USA Pro Challenge 2015? Final roster list: print it out 2015 Mens Roster 

UCI World Teams
Cannondale-Garmin (USA) - Davide Formolo, Ruben Zepuntke, Janier Acevedo
BMC Racing (USA) - Rohan Dennis, Damiano Caruso
Trek Factory Racing (USA) - Matthew Busche, Haimar Zubeldia
Tinkoff-Saxo (RUS) - Bruno Pirez, Roman Krueziger

UCI Professional Continental teams
Caja Rural-Seguros RGA (ESP)
Drapac (AUS) - William Clark, Lachlan Norris, Martin Kohler
Team Novo Nordisk (USA) - Javier Mejias
UnitedHealthcare (USA)

UCI Continental teams
Axeon (USA)
Budget Forklifts (AUS)
Cycling Academy (ISR)
Hincapie Racing (USA)
Jamis-Hagens Berman (USA)
Jelly Belly-Maxxis (USA)
Optum-Kelly Benefit Strategies (USA)
Team SmartStop (USA)

Women

Some of the teams confirmed to race in the inaugural Women's USA Pro Challenge include:
  • TWENTY16 p/b Sho-Air
  • Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
  • UnitedHealthcare Professional Cycling Team
  • BMW p/b Happy Tooth Dental
  • Pepper Palace Pro Cycling p/b The Happy Tooth Team
  • TIBCO-SVB
  • Visit Dallas p/b Noise4Good
  • Colavita/Bianchi p/b Fine Cooking
  • DNA Cycling p/b K4
  • Colorado Women's Cycling Project p/b Spark Women's Racing
Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

RIDERS

2015 Mens Rider List  for the USA Pro Challenge - (Not yet announced - riders will be announced in August 2015)

Keep your eye on Pro Cycling Stats as the rider startlists continue to form: USA Pro Challenge rider rosters.

RACE PREVIEW

Colorado terrain delivers long road climbs, making teamwork of vital importance. This race in Colorado also typically delivers a relatively short, at altitude, defining time trial - making for quite a combination of skills and requirements. Fans can expect to see some unfamiliar names with several continental riders on the podium again this year. Although we might expect a World Tour rider to win the overall general classification, the USA Pro Challenge is always a race that gives opportunity to breakaway specialist from a pro-conti or continental team to win a stage.

To win the USA Pro Challenge in 2015, teams will have to sacrifice greatly on Stage 1 to bring their leader close to the sprint finish line in Steamboat Springs, where a sprinter will win the stage. The next day, on Stage 2, strong teams must again deliver their leader as close to the 5-mile marker before Arapahoe Basin as possible. We should see the GC contenders forced to go for it in a final 5-mile strong climbing effort on a broad road to the line, although a puncheur might have already won the stage.

Look for the yellow jersey to change hands between Stage 1 (Steamboat) and Stage 2 (Arapahoe Basin). Root for the breakaway to stay away, or a rider in the chase group (rouleur), to win on Stage 3 (Aspen) and Stage 4 (Breckenridge finish). The yellow jersey will again change hands after the time trial of Stage 5 in Breckenridge. Enjoy a large sprint finish (for a tired sprinter who has climbed throughout the week) into Fort Collins on Stage 6, and again into Denver on Stage 7.

There are opportunities for stage wins for a sprinter, a strong finishing climber, a powerful rouleur, a time trial specialist who can manage a twisty climbing course, but especially the chance for a true team leader to win the overall race. Since Tejay Van Garderen will not be returning in 2015 to defend his twice earned title (he will be racing in Spain in the Vuelta a Espana), we will get to witness a new pro racer's dream come true.
  • Rouleur: a good all-rounder across all terrain types (Colorado cyclists!)
  • Puncheur: specializes in rolling terrain with short but steep climbs
  • Breakaway specialist: specializes in attacks from the start off the front in order to show off his sponsor and to try his luck to reach the finish line first.
  • General classification rider: the racer whose eye in on the biggest prize. 
Final Classification Jerseys of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
2014 WINNERS - who won last year

Stage Winners from 2014:
Stage 1 - Kiel Reijnen, Aspen, UnitedHealthcare
Stage 2 - Robin Carpenter, Crested Butte, Hincapie Sportswear Development Team
Stage 3 - Tejay Van Garderen, Monarch Mountain,  BMC Racing Team
Stage 4 - Elia Viviani, Colorado Springs, Cannondale
Stage 5 - Laurent Didier, Breckenridge, Trek Factory Racing
Stage 6 - Tejay Van Garderen, Vail ITT, BMC Racing Team
Stage 7 - Alex Howes, Denver, Garmin Sharp

2014 Overall General Classification - final podium
  1. Tejay Van Garderen BMC Racing Team
  2. Tom Danielson Garmin Sharp
  3. Serghei Tevetcov Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis
Final Classification Jerseys

Yellow - Tejay Van Garderen BMC Racing Team
Sprint - Kiel Reijnen UnitedHealthcare
Mountain - Ben Jacques-Maynes Jamis - Hagens Berman
Young - Clement Chevrier Bissell Development Team

2014 Best Team - BMC

Best team 2014 - BMC selfie! Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
History of overall race winners:
2011 United States Levi Leipheimer (USA) Team RadioShack
2012 United States Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin-Sharp
2013 United States Tejay Van Garderen (USA) BMC Racing Team
2014 United States Tejay Van Garderen (USA) BMC Racing Team



THE ROADS

ROAD CLOSURES FOR THE 2015 USA PRO CHALLENGE

Important Lines for Spectators to the Pro Challenge - road closures, parking, camping:
  • Camping and Parking for Stages 2 and 4 near Arapahoe Basin and Breckenridge: USDA Forest Service - White River National Forest
  • Camping and Parking for Stages 3 and 4 near Aspen: USDA Forest Service - White River National Forest 
  • CDOT Colorado Department of Transportation advisory of road closures: USA Pro Challenge Road Closures 2015 

All roads for the circuits and individual time trial will be fully closed, other roads will have rolling road closures (see definitions below).

A word from race organizers: "Keep in mind that road closures and delays to motorized traffic do not apply to pedestrians and bike traffic, so why not ride your bike or park and walk to the location you want to watch the race? Both are great ways to see the action and join in on the fun and excitement of experiencing this world class event. Just be aware of your surroundings and stay on the shoulders where they're available."

I would add that bikes and pedestrians are not allowed to move along CLOSED roads while the race is in progress, please find your viewing place by the time the road closes. Race Marshals and/or Police will ask you to stop and move off the road with good intentions for your safety and the safety of the racers.

Team cars line up at a stage start in Aspen. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
Drivers:

This section is intended to help you enjoy the race while understanding that the most important goal of race organizers is to keep the riders and citizens safe. Your goal is to allow enough time to be safe to others, not be disappointed, and arrive relaxed and ready to have FUN!  Being out on the road as a fan is a fabulous experience, being in the mountains of Colorado is even better!

Road Closures:

Wondering which roads will be closed for the USA Pro Challenge in your town this year? CDOT

CDOT creates an excellent website for fans regarding travel advisories for roads along the race route offering exact roads and closures times. Road closures are a key concern and all race personal and hired police take it very seriously. The CDOT website link gives detailed information regarding roads, direction of traffic halted, and times. Once you are on the website, please select from the individual stage tabs on the page to see the road closures for each stage.




THE ROUTE

2015 ROUTE MAPS AND PROFILES OF USA PRO CHALLENGE, Stage 1 through 7


STAGE 1 - Steamboat Springs
MONDAY, August 17, STAGE 1 - 2 lap circuit
How to see Stage 1 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Steamboat Springs 
  • Stage 1 Route Map pdf
  • Stage 1 Climb Profle pdf
  • 97 Miles / 156 Kilometers / 6,518 ft of climbing
  • Highlights: 2 laps on a large circuit
  • Start City: Steamboat Springs
  • Stage start area near the team buses and sign-in podium are great places to get autographs
  • Steamboat Springs Stage 1 Finish Festival hours: 10:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Finish Festival Location: Yampa Street, Steamboat Springs, CO
  • Stage 1 Start time: 11:30 am
  • Sprint: Steamboat Springs downtown
  • KOM: Midpoint on Hwy 27 (Lap 1 & 2)
  • Stage Schedule / Log Stage 1: Expected time along the course  
  • Finish City: Steamboat Springs
  • Stage 1 Finish time: approximate 3:13 - 4:38 pm
  • Podium Presentation typically 15-minutes after leaders of the stage finish
Local City roads and State Highways Impacted by Stage 1: CDOT detailed road closures all directions and exact times for USA Pro Challenge in Steamboat Springs and Oak Creek (select by stage tab at the left).

USA Pro Challenge Stage 1 route map 2015
USA Pro Challenge Stage 1 route map 2015 - Steamboat Springs Circuit
Steamboat Springs circuit profile map USa Pro Challenge 2015
Steamboat Springs circuit profile map USa Pro Challenge 2015

STAGE 2 - Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin - * Mountain top finish!
TUESDAY, August 18, STAGE 2 - road race
How to see Stage 2 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Steamboat / A-Basin
  • Stage 2 Route Map pdf
  • Stage 2 Climb Profile pdf
  • 115 Miles / 185 Kilometers / 10,078 ft of climbing
  • Highlights: Rabbit Ears Pass, Sprint in Kremling and Dillon, Mountaintop finish at ABasin
  • Start City: Steamboat Springs
  • Stage 2 Start time: 10:55 am
  • Stage start area near the team buses and sign-in podium are great places to get autographs 
  • Sprint: Kremling and Dillon
  • KOM: Rabbit Ears Pass and final climb of Arapahoe Basin
  • Finish City: Arapahoe Basin (Ski Resort)
  • Arapahoe Basin Stage 2 Finish Festival hours: 12-5:30 pm
  • Finish Festival Location: Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Colorado
  • Stage 2 Finish time: approximate 3:46 - 4:43 pm
  • Podium Presentation typically 15-minutes after leaders of the stage finish
  • Free concert after the stage finish at Arapahoe Basin at 5:00 pm
Local City roads and State Highways Impacted by Stage 2: CDOT detailed road closures all directions and exact times for USA Pro Challenge in Steamboat Springs, Kremling, Dillon to Arapahoe Basin.

THE CLIMBS
  • Rabbit Ears Pass: Max Grade 7.5%, Max elevation 9426 ft
  • Ute Pass:
  • Road to Arapahoe Basin: 5.1 miles, gain of 1551 ft., 5% to 7%
USA Pro Challenge Stage 2 route map 2015 - Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort
Profile map Stage 2 USA Pro Challenge 2015

STAGE 3 - Copper Mountain to Aspen maps - high elevation!
WEDNESDAY, August 19, STAGE 3 - road race
How to see Stage 3 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Copper / Aspen
  • Stage 3 Route Map pdf
  • Stage 3 Climb Profile pdf 
  • 101 Mile / 163 Kilometers / 7,419 ft of climbing
  • Max Elevation: 12,095ft
  • Highlights: First-time host city start at Copper Mountain Village, climb of Fremont Pass, Loop around Turquoise Lake, sprint in Leadville, climb over Independence Pass, finish in Aspen
  • Start City: Copper Mountain ski resort
  • Stage 3 Start time: 11:15 am 
  • Stage start area near the team buses and sign-in podium are great places to get autographs 
  • Free concert at Copper Mountain Resort after the stage start at 12:00 pm
  • Sprint: Leadville
  • KOM: Fremont Pass (11,320ft), Independence Pass (12,096ft)
  • Finish City: Aspen downtown
  • Aspen Stage 3 Finish Festival hours: 11:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Finish Festival Location: downtown Aspen
  • Stage 3 Finish time: approximate 2:56 - 4:47 pm
  • Podium Presentation typically 15-minutes after leaders of the stage finish 
Local City roads and State Highways Impacted by Stage 3: CDOT detailed road closures all directions and exact times for USA Pro Challenge in Copper Mountain, Leadville, Twin Lakes to Aspen.

USA Pro Challenge Stage 3 route map 2015
USA Pro Challenge Stage 3 route map 2015 - Copper Mountain to Aspen

Stage 3 profile map USA Pro Challenge 2015 Colorado
Stage 3 profile map USA Pro Challenge 2015 Colorado

STAGE 4 - Aspen to Breckenridge maps - another high altitude day!
THURSDAY, August 20, STAGE 4 - road race
  • Stage 4 Route Map pdf
  • Stage 4 Climb Profile pdf
  • 126 Miles / 203 Kilometers / 9,631 ft of climbing
  • Max Elevation: 12,095ft
  • Highlights: Start in downtown Aspen, climb over Independence Pass, sprint in Buena Vista and Fairplay, climb over Hoosier Pass, climb up Moonstone Rd and descend Boreas Pass before finishing on Main St in Breckenridge. 
  • Start City: Aspen
  • Stage 4 Start time: 10:20 am 
  • Stage start area near the team buses and sign-in podium are great places to get autographs  
  • Sprint: Buena Vista, Fairplay
  • KOM: Independence Pass (12, 096 ft), Hoosier Pass (11,541ft), Moonstone Rd in Breckenridge
  • Finish City: Breckenridge
  • Breckenridge Stage 4 Finish Festival hours: 11:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Finish Festival Location: parking lots of Breckenridge
  • Stage 4 Finish time: approximate 2:56 - 4:47 pm
  • Podium Presentation typically 15-minutes after leaders of the stage finish 
Local City roads and State Highways Impacted by Stage 4: CDOT detailed road closures all directions and exact times for USA Pro Challenge in Aspen, Twin Lakes, Buena Vista, Johnson Village, Fairplay, Alma to Breckenridge

USA Pro Challenge Stage 4 route map 2015
USA Pro Challenge Stage 4 route map 2015 - Aspen to Breckenridge
Profile map 2015 USA Pro Challenge Stage 4
Profile map 2015 USA Pro Challenge Stage 4

STAGE 5 - Breckenridge ITT maps - Individual Time Trial
FRIDAY, August 21, STAGE 5 - individual time trial
How to see Stage 5 of USA Pro Challenge 2015 - Breck ITT!

The 1st stage of the women's race will take place on the same day as the men's 5th stage in Breckenridge. Be aware of early road closures. 
  • Stage 5 Route Map pdf
  • Stage 5 Climb Profile pdf
  • 8.5 Miles / 14 Kilometers / 792 ft of climbing
  • Max Elevation: 10,088ft 
  • Highlights: 4+ hours of continuous action as each rider challenges himself /herself against the clock. 
  • Start City: Breckenridge
  • WOMENS Stage 1 Start time: 10:45 am 
  • WOMENS Stage 1 Finish time: 12:35 pm
  • MENS Stage 5 Start time: 1:00 pm (plan your early arrival due to women's race)
  • Stage start area near the team buses and sign-in podium are great places to get autographs  
  • No Sprint or KOM points
  • Finish City: Breckenridge
  • Breckenridge Stage 5 Finish Festival hours: 11:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Finish Festival Location: parking lots of Breckenridge
  • MENS Stage 5 Finish time: 3:50 pm
  • Podium Presentation typically 15-minutes after last finisher
Local City roads and State Highways Impacted by Stage 5: CDOT detailed road closures all directions and exact times for USA Pro Challenge in central Breckenridge.

State Highways Impacted: Highway 9, Boreas Pass rd, Wellington Rd, Royal Tiger Rd, Moonstone Rd, Jefferson Ave, Main St.

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

STAGE 6 - Loveland to Fort Collins maps
SATURDAY, August 22, STAGE 6 - road race 

The 2nd stage of the women's race will take place on the same day as the men's 6th stage from Loveland to Fort Collins. Be aware of early road closures. 
  • Stage 6 Route Map pdf
  • Stage 6 Climb Profile pdf
  • 102 Miles/ 165 Kilometers / 6,228 ft of climbing
  • Start City: Loveland
  • WOMEN Stage 2 Start time (not yet announced)
  • WOMEN Stage 2 Finish time (not yet announced)
  • MEN Stage 6 Start time MEN: 11:45 am 
  • Stage start area near the team buses and sign-in podium are great places to get autographs  
  • Sprint: Windsor, Loveland downtown
  • KOM: Rist Canyon
  • Finish City: Fort Collins
  • Fort Collins Stage 6 Finish Festival hours: 11:30am - 5:00 pm
  • Finish Festival Location: downtown streets of Fort Collins
  • MEN Stage 6 Finish time: approximate 3:27 - 4:57 pm
  • Podium Presentation typically 15-minutes after leaders of the stage finish 
Local City roads and State Highways Impacted by Stage 6: CDOT detailed road closures all directions and exact times for USA Pro Challenge in Loveland, Carter Lake, Rist Canyon, Horsetooth Reservoir and Fort Collins.
USA Pro Challenge Stage 6 route map 2015
USA Pro Challenge Stage 6 route map 2015 - Loveland to Fort Collins
Profile map Stage 6 Loveland USA Pro Challenge 2015
Profile map Stage 6 Loveland USA Pro Challenge 2015

STAGE 7 - Golden to Denver maps - 4 laps in Denver!
SUNDAY, August 23, STAGE 7 - road race  

The 3rd stage of the womens race will begin and end in Golden on the same day as the men's final stage from Golden to Denver. Be aware of early road closures. 
  • Stage 7 Route Map pdf
  • Stage 7 Climb Profile pdf
  • 68 Miles / 110 Kilometers / 3,237 ft of climbing
  • Start City: Golden downtown
  • WOMENS Stage 3 Start time: 10:30 am (plan your early arrival for the women's race)
  • WOMENS Stage 3 Finish time: estimated 11:30 am
  • MENS Stage 7 Start time: 1:10 pm 
  • Stage start area near the team buses and sign-in podium are great places to get autographs  
  • MENS Sprint: at Finish Line
  • MENS KOM: Lookout Mountain
  • Finish City: Denver downtown (4 laps in Denver)
  • Denver Stage 7 Finish Festival hours: 11:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Finish Festival Location: in park, between Broadway and City & County Building
  • MENS Stage 7 Finish time: approximate 3:38-3:57 pm
  • Podium Presentation typically 15-minutes after leaders of the stage finish 
Local City roads and State Highways Impacted by Stage 7: CDOT detailed road closures all directions and exact times for USA Pro Challenge in Golden, Edgemont, Wheat Ridge and Denver

USA Pro Challenge Stage 7 route maps 2015
USA Pro Challenge Stage 7 route maps 2015 - Golden to Denver
Profile map Stage 7 Golden USA Pro Challenge 2015
Profile map Stage 7 Golden USA Pro Challenge 2015
Denver Stage 7 Finish Map USA Pro Challenge 2015
Denver Stage 7 Finish Map USA Pro Challenge 2015

WOMEN'S 2015 ROUTE MAPS OF USA PRO CHALLENGE

Stages and Host Cities for the 2015 WOMEN'S USA PRO CHALLENGE
  • Stage 1: Friday, August 21 - Breckenridge (Individual Time Trial)
  • Stage 2: Saturday, August 22 - Fort Collins 
  • Stage 3: Sunday, August 23 - Golden (finishes prior to the start of the men's race)
It's a big year for women's racing! This will be the first inaugural 3-day USA Cycling sanctioned invitation-only USA Pro Challenge women's stage race. The race will take place on the final weekend in the same cities as the men's race and will share parts of the men's course. The women's race will conclude prior to the men's 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.

STAGE 1 - Breckenridge Individual Time Trial - WOMENS
Friday, August 21, 2015
  • Stage 1 Women's Route Map pdf
  • Stage 1 Women's Profile pdf
  • 8.5 Miles / 14 Kilometers
  • Time Trial 
  • Stage 1 Start time: 10:45 am WOMENS 
  • Sprint: none
  • KOM: none
  • Stage 1 Finish time: 12:35 pm WOMENS
Women's Stage 1 Route 2015 USA pro Challenge
Womens Stage 1 Profile 2015 USA Pro Challenge

STAGE 2 - Loveland to Fort Collins - WOMENS
Saturday, August 22, 2015
  • Stage 2 Women's Route Map pdf
  • Stage 2 Women's Profile pdf
  • 58 Miles / 93 Kilometers
  • Road Race
  • Stage 2 Start time WOMEN: ?
  • Sprint: Downtown Loveland
  • KOM: Rist Canyon
  • Stage 2 Finish time WOMEN: approximate ?
Stage 2 Women's Route Map 2015 USA Pro Challenge
Stage 2 Women's Profile 2015 USA Pro Challenge

STAGE 3 - Golden - WOMENS
Sunday, August 23, 2015
  • Stage 3 Women's Route Map pdf
  • Stage 3 Women's Profile pdf
  • 60 minutes plus 3 laps
  • Circuit Race (repeated laps in Golden, within a set time, the race does not continue to Denver)
  • WOMENS Stage 3 Start time: 10:30 am
  • WOMENS Stage 3 Finish time: estimated 11:30 am
  • MENS Stage 7 Start time: 1:10 pm 
  • MENS Denver Stage 7 Finish Festival hours: 11:30 am - 4:00 pm
Golden Women's Circuit Route Map USA Pro Challenge 2015 - route of all laps
Golden Women's Circuit Profile USA Pro Challenge 2015 - profile of all laps
2015 USA Pro Challenge tshirt, buy now




THE CLIMBS

Cyclesense 365 blog, written by the staff at the USA Pro Challenge, offers this fine list of the highest climbs in this year's USA Pro Challenge. Read the blog about climbing at altitude: Riders Climb Into Thin Air at the USA Pro Challenge, by USA Pro Challenge.

Stage 2 (Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin)
  • RabbitEars Pass (9,391')
  • Ute Pass (9,570')
  • Arapahoe Basin (10,780')
Stage 3 (Copper Mountain to Aspen)
  • Fremont Pass (11,079')
  • Independence Pass (12,095')
Stage 4 (Aspen to Breckenridge)
  • Independence Pass (12,095')
  • Hoosier Pass (11,542')
  • Moonstone Road (10,088')
Stage 5 (Breckenridge Time Trial)
  • Moonstone Road (10,088') - Men's and Women's Race
Stage 6 (Loveland to Fort Collins)
  • Rist Canyon (8,008') - Men's and Women's Race
Please see the specific climb profile under each stage above.

Be there to watch the podium presentations after every stage. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
GO RIDE STEAMBOAT - AMATEUR EVENT BIKE RIDE

Race organizers have arranged an opportunity for mere mortals to race out on course on Saturday, August 15th.  You can join this event ride to cycle one complete 50-mile loop of Stage 1 (the pros will do 2 loops), then relax with a beer and lunch (included). Last year, the Team Presentation was also on Saturday evening.
  • Saturday, August 15, 2015 - Steamboat Springs
  • 25 or 50 miles; loop ride out and back from Steamboat.
  • What you get: a tech tee, a pint glass, 2 beers, lunch and you get to ride 1 loop Stage 1 pro race.
  • Register for the ride
  • Cost: $70-100 + 6.75% transaction fee 

Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011

Archived complete Pedal Dancer® coverage of the race:

See the full archived: USA Pro Challenge Stage Race Coverage by Pedal Dancer
This is the archived version of the 2015 race: 2015 USA Pro Challenge Guide for Fans
For an archived version of the 2014 race, go to: 2014 USA Pro Challenge Guide for Fans
For an archived version of the 2013 race, go to: 2013 USA Pro Challenge Guide for Fans
For an archived version of the 2012 race, go to: 2012 USA Pro Challenge Guide for Fans
For an archived version of the 2011 race, go to: 2011 USA Pro Challenge Guide for Fans