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

20 August 2015

How to see Stage 7 of USA Pro Challenge 2015

SUNDAY, August 23, STAGE 7 - Golden to Denver

What is the best way to see Stage 7 of the 2015 USA Pro Challenge as a fan? Whether this is your fifth year of attending this exciting race, or you are a totally new fan to the event, this easy one-page guide is intended to help locals and tourists better plan for watching Stage 7 in Golden and Denver.

The men's route of Stage 7 is very similar to the final route of the stage race in 2011. the women's route is a 1.3 miles loop and will be repeated for one-hour. The race has finished in Denver every year of its five-year history. Golden has been a Host City every year except 2013.

Find what you need to know about Stage 7 of the USA Pro Challenge in Golden and Denver, below in the following order: Stage 7 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.

Seal Pond in Civic Center Park, Denver floats the USA Pro Challenge logo. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
Golden, The wall mural of Mountain Toad Brewery in Golden. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
THE ESSENTIALS
  • Golden to Denver
  • climb of Lookout Mountain
  • Women's Criterium in Golden
  • Men's Road Race from Golden to Denver
  • The men's race will complete 4 laps in Denver
  • Same route in Denver as in 2014
  • WOMEN'S Stage 3 Start time: 10:30 am (plan your early arrival for the women's race)
  • WOMEN'S Stage 3 Finish time: estimated 11:30 am
  • WOMEN's Podium Presentation in Golden 
  • Podium Presentation typically 15-minutes after all riders finish the stage  
  • MEN'S Stage 7 Start time: 1:10 pm 
  • MEN'S Stage 7 Finish time: approximate 3:38-4:18 pm (3:45-4:03 expected)
  • MEN's Podium Presentation on a stage placed on the street near the finish area after.
  • Stage Log / Schedule of arrival at streets on route: Stage 7 Log
  • LEXUS CLUB VIP Hospitality opens at 1:00 pm on Broadway (near Colfax) $250 Buy tickets
  • Road closures: CDOT (select tab at left) 
  • Stage start area near the team buses and sign-in stage are great places to get autographs  
  • Denver Stage 7 Finish Festival hours: 11:30 am - 5:00 pm in Civic Center Park
*Important Note: The women’s podium will take place after the Finish in Golden. The GC & Stage winners will then head to Denver to take part in the men’s press conference (press conference closed to the public).    

What I plan to do tomorrow:

Show up in Golden at 9:30am. Watch the women's criterium from 10:30-11:30am. See the women's Podium Presentation at 11:45am. Go to the team buses around 12:00pm and then to the final sign-in stage at 12:30pm. See the men's race start in Golden at 1:10pm. Drive to Denver, walk through the festival in Civic Center Park. See the finish, watch the podium presentation. Go to the press conference and go home. Pet the dog. Sleep.
Map of 2015 USA Pro Challenge Colorado
Map of 2015 USA Pro Challenge Colorado
THE RACE

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

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.

The 3rd stage of the women's 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. 

The architecture of Golden (founded 1859, gold rush) reminds me of Durango (founded 1881, railroad). 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

Team BMC in 2015. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
THE ROUTE - WOMEN

STAGE 3 - Golden - WOMENS
Sunday, August 23, 2015
60 minutes plus 3 laps
Circuit Race (repeated laps, within a set time, the race does not continue to Denver)

Sprint: Downtown Loveland
KOM: Rist Canyon

Stage 3 Women's Route Map pdf
Stage 3 Women's Profile pdf
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

THE ROUTE - MEN
  • Start City: Golden downtown
  • Finish City: Denver downtown (4 laps in Denver)
  • 68 Miles / 110 Kilometers / 3,237 ft of climbing
  • Stage 7 Route Map pdf
  • Stage 7 Climb Profile pdf
  • Zoom in Maps
  • MENS Sprint: at Finish Line
  • MENS KOM: Lookout Mountain
  • Highlights: climb of Lookout Mountain, finish near the capital building in the state capital of Denver, after 4 laps to city Park and back.
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
THE CLIMB

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN

Lookout Mountain (one way) - from Golden
Nearby town: Golden
Area of Colorado: Golden, at the base of the foothills near I-70
Road: Lookout Mountain Road
Distance (miles): 4.5
Grade (avg.): 5%; max 7%
Ascent (ft): 1282
Max elevation (ft): 7317
Difficulty (rmcc): 2.1
Bucket list rating: 4
Nearby climbs: Deer Creek Canyon/High Grade, Golden Gate Canyon
Notes: A Front Range landmark climb, short but sweet. Nice views of Denver. You will see cyclists on this climb year-round.

Lookout Mountain profile

The switchbacks of Lookout Mountain, Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
Lookout Mountain Links, discover more about the climb:
Stage 7 jersey. Buy
THE ORGANIZATION

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

A wonderful board, in the Sierra Nevada booth, of a map where the visitors to the 2014 Pro Challenge traveled from. 
THE PLACE

Denver, Colorado - home to the Denver Broncos football team, Denver Avalanche hockey team  Denver Rockies baseball team, the Denver Nuggets basketball team ... and the USA Pro Challenge! This is Peyton Manning territory, cowboy country, Colorado state capital, micro-brew heaven, home of the active lifestyle in a mile-high city (5280ft). With a population of 650,000 people, Denver can feel like a big city and a small town all at the same time.

Denver, Colorado is where I live.
 
Racing in downtown Denver by the Art Museum. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
Location of Denver in Colorado in the USA
Racing underneath the Denver Art Museum. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
THE FUN - in Golden, August 23
  • 9:00-4:00 pm - food trucks, exhibits and a beer garden in Parfet Park (10th and Washington)
  • Live race viewing on the Jumbotron in Parfet Park (10th and Washington). Watch the race end in Denver with a crowd of fans in Golden. 
  • 10:30 am - Women's Criterium start time
  • 11:30 am - Women's Criterium finish time
  • 1:10 pm - Men's Race Start time (departure to Denver)

THE FUN - in Denver, August 23
  • 11:00-5:00 pm - Festival in Civic Center Park
  • 3:45 pm - Estimated finish time (On Broadway, between 14 & Colfax)
Festival in Civic Center Park, Denver, USA Pro Challenge. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
The day a peloton races up Colfax. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
THE ROADS & PARKING

Stage Schedule / Log Stage 7: streets and distances

Local City roads and State Highways Impacted by Stage 7: Road closures: CDOT (select tab at left) for USA Pro Challenge between Golden, Edgemont, Wheat Ridge and Denver. In Denver: avoid Speer Blvd from 32nd into downtown and the blocks around the capital building, Also 17th Ave will be closed between Grant and City Park (impossible to cross; use Colorado Blvd to go around).

Parking is free at all meters downtown on Sundays. 

Denver City and County Building at Civic Center Park. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
THE SPECTATORS
  • 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

Let's Talk VIP

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

Yes I would recommend buying VIP tickets. Why? The tent usually stretches along the length of the finishing stretch, you will get to see the rider pass twice AND you will not have to hold your place at the barriers all day. Also they serve great food and beverages under shaded tents, and the jersey presentation stage is nearby. I believe the purpose of VIP tickets is to afford ease of movement during the race. Don't just stay under the tent. The price however, is high, $250. Each.

Here is my tip: When it comes to VIP tickets - buy quality. Quality to me equates to visibility of the true race and need.
  • Buy Denver Finis! $250 (great atmosphere and placement on course, 4 laps), VIP tent location: on Broadway between 14th and Colfax. Very close to the final podium.
Fans watching the race live on TV in the park in Golden as the riders approach from Golden to Denver. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

Where to watch the USA Pro Challenge bike race for Stage 7 in Golden and Denver

Golden

Watch the women's criterium at the top of Washington, at 18th and Illinois, or the final corner at 11th Washington. The area within 100 meters of the finish line is always exciting to see the final sprint and hear the announcers.

My recommendations on where to watch the women's criterium race in golden

For the men's race from Golden to Denver, the race begins in Golden and passes through town twice more before heading east through Arvada, Edgemont and Highlands into downtown Denver. In golden, much of the action will be centered around Washington Ave.

After the start, the northern loop around North Table Mountain Park will be done first before reentering to town and heading up the climb of Lookout Mountain. The switchbacks will be an excellent vantage point to see the peloton approach. Looping up and over the climb, the peloton returns once again to Washington St before turning right onto W 32nd Ave.

The north loop around
Denver

Two years ago I experienced a very exciting lap in the Media car around the course of the Pro Challenge through Denver to insure that I was offering the best advise possible to fans about where to see the race on race day. I can share first hand that it was super impressive to see the huge numbers of fans that lined the route.

This year you can expect two fast laps, with an even faster final meters to the line.

This will be the direction the peloton enters Denver. On 17th you will see them go in both directions.

The final circuit laps of Stage 7 in Denver will cover the same route as 2014.  If you attended the race last year in Denver, you might already have found your perfect place on race day. I have highlighted my recommended viewing areas, below.

The Expo festival area is located in Civic Center Park where race partner Sierra Nevada can be expected to have beer for sale. The open layout of the park allows fans to move freely and run from side to side to see the race on Colfax and 14th St. The finish line is very nearby on Broadway (but crowded by VIP tents).

If you find a way into the small corral on Colfax between the VIP tents and the Capital building -- in the middle of the street! -- you will be able to see the riders coming and going in both directions. No shade, no seating, no water, just good race viewing. You will also be close by to the podium presentation after the race.

Teh exposed area in the middle of Colfax where fans ran side to side to see the racers on both sides. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

The restaurants and businesses that line 17th Street offer a nice base to see the race go by in BOTH directions along this long boulevard as the peloton races back and forth between the capital and City Park. You may find patios and shade trees and even portable bleachers set up on race day.

Sitting on bleachers set up under shade trees for comfort on 17th St.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
City Park was filled with happy fans in previous years, who brought their own chairs and tents, coolers and banners, and set up hours in advance on the cool grass. The park has a number of corners; it is always great to witness the racers through fast corners.

Ride your bicycle to the Festival: bike valet will be available to hold your bike safely. Bring a lock just in case. Or take the RTD light rail into downtown and the free 16th St shuttle up to Civic Center Park.

Pedal Dancer recommended viewing locations for Stage 7 in Denver (click image to enlarge)
Pedal Dancer recommended viewing locations for Stage 7 in Denver (click image to enlarge).
Do you want to see the race in both Golden and Denver?

Will you be able to see the women race in Golden and the men race in Denver? Yes. Fortunately traffic is light on Sundays.

Will you be able to see the men's start in Golden and the finish in Denver? Yes. IF you pay attention to parking your car in an easy to exit location in Golden and maybe bring a bike to pedal the last blocks into Denver. Last year most of the parking close to the race was already taken by the time I arrived from Boulder. I parked, pulled my bike out of the car, pedaled to valet, handed them my bike and watched the race finish with plenty of time to spare.

Will you be able to ride the climb up Lookout Mountain and see the race in Denver? Yes. If you descend right away and park close to the base, ready to depart to Denver.

Will you be able to see the start in Golden and ride your bike to Denver in order to see the finish? Really? If the answer is yes, you are inside this professional peloton of world-class racers.

Who will win?

Remembering the day last year that I captured this image of Alex Howes (below), the winner of the final stage into Denver in 2014. Alex is competing at the Vuelta a Espana this year and will not be in Denver. Look for another light weight sprinter to win the stage.

Alex Howes won the stage in Denver in 2014. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
Race Standings - Men's race

Who is currently wearing the jerseys at the start of Stage 7? (Results after Stage 6)

Look for these riders in the classification jerseys:

Yellow: Smashburger Leader Jersey – Rohan Dennis (AUS) BMC Racing Team
Green: Lexus Sprint Jersey – Kiel Reijen (USA) UnitedHealthcare Team
Red: Sierra Nevada King of the Mountains Jersey – Rohan Dennis (AUS) BMC Racing Team. Will be worn by:
Blue: Colorado State University Best Young Rider Jersey – Tao Geoghegan Hart (GBR) Axeon Cycling Team
Orange: First Bank Most Aggressive Rider Jersey –Roman Kreuziger (CZE) of Tinkoff-Saxo
Dark Blue: Edward Jones Best Colorado Rider Jersey – Alexandr Braico (MDA) of Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis
Best Team: BMC Racing Team

Men's GC Standings after Stage 6 

1Rohan Dennis (Aus) BMC Racing Team21:33:33
2Brent Bookwalter (USA) BMC Racing Team0:00:44
3Rob Britton (Can) Team SmartStop0:01:31
4Gavin Mannion (USA) Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis0:01:49
5Lachlan David Morton (Aus) Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis0:01:53
6Tao Geoghegan Hart (GBr) Axeon Cycling Team0:01:58
7Lachlan Norris (Aus) Drapac Professional Cycling0:02:02
8Toms Skujins (Lat) Hincapie Racing Team0:02:08
9Hugh Carthy (GBr) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA0:02:13
10Julien Bernard (Fra) Trek Factory Racing0:02:14

Top 3 Teams

1. BMC RACING TEAM (USA) 53:09:44
2. JELLY BELLY P/B MAXXIS (USA) 53:13:10
3. HINCAPIE RACING TEAM (USA) 53:14:07


Race Standings - Women's race

Who is currently wearing the jerseys at the start of Stage 7?
Look for these riders in the classification jerseys:

Yellow (Smashburger Race Leader): Kristin Armstrong (USA) Twenty 16 p/b SHO-AIR
Green (Lexus Sprint): Tayler Wiles (USA) of DNA Cycling p/b K4
Red (Sierra Nevada QOM): Mara Abbott (USA) of Amy D. Foundation
Blue (Colorado.com Best Young): Abigail Mickey (USA) UnitedHealthcare Professional
Orange (Strava Most Aggressive): Coryn Rivera (USA) of UnitedHealthcare Professional
Best Team: TWENTY 16 p/b SHO-AIR

Women's GC Standings after Stage 6

1.    Kristin Armstrong
2.    Tayler Wiles
3.    Lauren Komanski
4.    Abigail Mickey
5.    Breanne Nalder

Two yellows! Rohan Dennis, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge Shawn Hunter and Kristen Armstrong.

THE COVERAGE

TV coverage of Stage 7: Pro Cycling Challenge on NBC Network

 Stage 7  8/23/2015  4:00 PM   LIVE Final!
Stage 7 (re-NBC)  08/24/2015  6:00 PM  Replay
    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 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, @butterflywriter (Pro Velo Passion), and
    Brian Hodes (@veloimages).
     
    Follow the race: USA Pro Challenge: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
    To watch a replay of the race coverage, go to www.usaprochallenge/tourtracker


    HISTORY - landmarks on route

    Denver Capital Building

    The Colorado State Capital Building in Denver is a Corinthian-style, gold-domed building intentionally designed in 1890 to resemble the national capital building in Washington D.C. Made of Colorado rose onyx quarried in the town of Beulah, Colorado, the building houses House and Senate Chambers and is centrally located in downtown Denver's business district. Free tours are offered M-F 10:00-3:00pm. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 


    Lookout mountain - Pillar to Post

    The race again climbs Lookout Mountain this year - What is the story of the pillars?

    The stone pylon gateway was built and presented to the City of Denver in 1917, long before the area was heavily populated, by Finlay L. MacFarland, a prominent automobile dealer and member of the Denver Mountain Park's advisory commission. 

    One of two pillars at the start of the climb. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
    The rock pillars before the houses were built nearby.


    There was an old observatory atop Lookout Mountain from 1885-1940 (before the wind blew the tin dome off the building).


    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 7:
    1. Tip #1 - Golden: Be sure to visit the team bus area to see the mechanics working on the bikes or setting out the equipment for the riders before the stage starts. Activity around the team buses begins 1.5 hours before the race start. Look for your favorite riders and maybe watch a media interview pre race.
    2. Tip #2 - Golden: I like to get to a stage start early to locate the start/finish line, sign-in stage, large screen TVs, podium, festival, and team buses. I study how to easily move in between all these fun areas of the race.
    3. Tip #3 - Golden: Within 1 hour of the start (10:30), the riders will begin signing in at the announcement/sign-in stage. This is the time for autographs as the riders pass to and from the stage. Be near the stage to hear the rider call up to the line and the singing of the national anthem.
    4. Tip #4 - Golden & Denver: Walk around the festival area, or around town, and watch the race on the large screen TVs.
    5. Tip #5 - Golden & Denver: Return to the barriers to see the riders pass for another lap.
    6. Tip #6 - Denver: Walk close to the podium to watch the final podium award presentation, 15-20 minutes after the finish of the stage. In Denver, the stage is ON Colfax & Broadway. They usually open some gates to allow spectators to fill in the space in front of the stage.
    7. Tip #7 - Be comfortable! bring a little food or water, sunscreen and a hat. The temperature should be about 80 degrees on race day. 
    8. Tip #8 - Ride your bike. The event seems more festive when you arrive and depart on 2 wheels.
    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
    Pedal Dancer® - cycling near Golden and Denver:



    WE DID IT - Another year of the USA Pro Challenge was a success!

    beers in a row at River North Brewery.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

    If you feel like celebrating (oh, and I do!), the best beers in Denver can be found at one of these fine establishments below:
    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.