Pedal Dancer®: USA PRO CHALLENGE
Pedal Dancer® - a resource for cyclists who travel and ride at bike races and events
Cycling Travel Blog, France Travel, France Cycling, Colorado Cycling, Cycling Events, Cycling Races, Cycling Routes, Cycling Maps, Cycling Climbs, Cycling Tours, Cycling Photography, Spring Classics, Tour de France, Giro d' Italia, Vuelta a Espana, Tour of California, USA Pro Challenge, Road Bikes and Cycling Equipment.

USA PRO CHALLENGE

2013 USA Pro Cycling Challenge August 19-25, 2013

2013 USA PRO CYCLING CHALLENGE facts:
The 2013 host cities of the USAPRO will be:

Monday, Aug. 19         Stage 1           Aspen/Snowmass Circuit  
Tuesday, Aug. 20        Stage 2            Aspen/Snowmass - Breckenridge
Wednesday, Aug. 21   Stage 3            Breckenridge – Steamboat Springs
Thursday, Aug. 22      Stage 4            Steamboat Springs – Beaver Creek
Friday, Aug. 23           Stage 5/ITT      Vail Time Trial
Saturday, Aug. 24       Stage 6            Loveland – Fort Collins
Sunday, Aug. 25         Stage 7            Denver Circuit

 2013 USA PRO CHALLENGE Posts by Pedal Dancer - pre race
You are currently on the Pedal Dancer Guide Page: USA PRO CHALLENGE
For an archived version of the 2012 race, go to: 2012 USA Pro Cycling Guide for Fans
For an archived version of the 2011 race, go to: 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge - Fan Information Page

USA Pro Challenge Leader Jerseys 2012, created by Pedal Dancer


We can thank the 2013 race Sponsors (Partners)



Route maps, stage profiles, and stage descriptions announced 04/25/13

Summary

Stage 1 : Route Map  |  Route Profile  |  timetable  |  fan guide
Stage 2 : Route Map  |  Route Profile  |  timetable  |  fan guide
Stage 3 : Route Map  |  Route Profile  |  timetable  |  fan guide
Stage 4 : Route Map  |  Route Profile  |  timetable  |  fan guide
Stage 5 : Route Map  |  Route Profile  |  timetable  |  fan guide
Stage 6 : Route Map  |  Route Profile  |  timetable  |  fan guide
Stage 7 : Route Map  |  Route Profile  |  timetable  |  fan guide


The details for the 2013 were officially released today (04/25/13). Even though the race is suing it's old sponsor Exergy Development Group for 2.5 million, the race is still on for 2013 (for non-payment). Most of us who live here in Colorado could have guessed the exact routes of this year's race once the host cities were announced months ago, yet one route I was uncertain about was the route of Stage 6 from Loveland to Fort Collins, they had several choices and I am happy to see the race climb to Estes Park (right next to our shining star - Rocky Mountain National Park). We are staying in the north central part of the state this year, and both Loveland and Fort Collins are new territory.

Now we know all the cities, roads and climbs that will be included in this years tour. Here they are - the maps for the seven stages of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

Colorado
Monday, August 19th to Sunday, August 25th
Seven Stages
Official website: http://www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/

Monday, Aug. 19 - Stage 1: Aspen/Snowmass Circuit
Tuesday, Aug. 20 - Stage 2: Aspen/Snowmass - Breckenridge
Wednesday, Aug. 21 - Stage 3: Breckenridge - Steamboat Springs
Thursday, Aug. 22 - Stage 4: Steamboat Springs - Beaver Creek
Friday, Aug. 23 - Stage 5: Vail Time Trial
Saturday, Aug. 24 - Stage 6: Loveland - Fort Collins
Sunday, Aug. 25 - Stage 7: Denver Circuit

Overview of location of host cities: Look at all those mountains!

Location of Host Cities in the State of Colorado for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge
Location of Colorado in the U.S.A.
The Colorado State Flag

USA Pro Challenge - route details, route maps and route profiles for 2013
[click any image to enlarge, or click links for more information]


Details:  Stage 1: Aspen Circuit Race – Monday, Aug. 19

Miles: 21.6 (34.7km)
Stage 1 Route Map
Stage 1 Route Profile


Details:  Stage 2:  Aspen to Breckenridge – Tuesday, Aug. 20

Miles: 126.1 (202.9km)
Stage 2 Route Map
Stage 2 Route Profile
 
Details:  Stage 3:  Breckenridge to Steamboat Springs – Wednesday, Aug. 21

Miles: 106.1 (170.8km)
Stage 3 Route Map
Stage 3 Route Profile

Details:  Stage 4:  Steamboat Springs to Beaver Creek – Thursday, Aug. 22

Miles: 102.9 (165.6km)
Stage 4 Route Map
Stage 4 Route Profile

Details:  Stage 5:  Vail Individual Time Trial – Friday, Aug. 23

Miles: 10 (16.1km)
Stage 5 Route Map
Stage 5 Route Profile
 
Details:  Stage 6:  Loveland to Ft. Collins – Saturday, Aug. 24

Miles: 115.2 (185.4km)
Stage 6 Route Map
Stage 6 Route Profile

Details:  Stage 7:  Denver Circuit Race – Sunday, Aug. 25

Miles: 9.4 (15.1km)
Stage 7 Route Map
Stage 7 Route Profile



2013 USA PRO CHALLENGE route details (official press release) View Route

2013 USA Pro Challenge Route Features American Professional Cycling’s Highest Elevation

American Cycling’s Most Difficult Race Returns to Test the Pros with Altitude and Challenging Terrain

DENVER (April 25, 2013) – The route for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge professional cycling stage race, taking place Aug. 19-25 in Colorado, will take riders on a heart-pounding journey through the breathtaking Colorado Rockies. The largest spectator event in the history of the state, the USA Pro Challenge continues to set records in professional cycling history by taking the riders to unprecedented elevations. In 2012, with a lead change nearly every day, one of the closest professional races in U.S. history came down to the final moments of the Individual Time Trial in Denver, and this year’s route promises to bring just as much drama.

“The most important thing to us in creating the route for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge was to find a course that would be safe and challenging for the riders, while providing ideal viewing locations for the crowds of spectators,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge. “This year we are, once again, taking them to the highest point of any professional cycling race with Independence Pass. We’re also returning to the iconic Time Trial route in Vail. The best in the sport will be racing through Colorado communities for what will be an epic week in professional cycling.”

The race will visit eight official host cities for the starts and finishes of each stage, ranging from small towns to cities as large as Denver, with a population of more than 615,000. All with varying elevations, the start and finishes of most stages in the 2013 USA Pro Challenge are above the highest points in the Tour de France. The two new cities joining the 2013 race –Loveland and Fort Collins – each offer breathtaking scenery that will add to the overall excitement.

Back by popular demand, the 2013 route will feature the Vail Time Trial course that was used in the 2011 edition and was largely taken from a race forever etched in cycling history – the Coors Classic. Additionally, the race will borrow from the 2011 route for the ever-popular Denver circuit finish. Giving fans a chance to see the riders nine times (eight laps) and the riders plenty of opportunities to get familiar with the course, this will bring another exciting finish to seven days of fiercely competitive racing.

“We’ve set out to create the greatest professional cycling event in the U.S. and with each edition the route continues to evolve, the competition continues to be fierce and the fans continue to come out in droves,” added Hunter. “In looking at the route we have outlined, each day is a challenge, which will create some amazing racing. This year is looking like it will be the best yet.”

One of the most highly anticipated events on the race calendar, the 2013 USA Pro Challenge will test the riders’ strength and endurance over a nearly 600-mile course. Highlights of the route include:

Stage 1: Aspen Circuit Race – Monday, Aug. 19
The 2013 USA Pro Challenge begins with its biggest opening day hurdle ever. The new for 2013 Aspen/Snowmass Circuit may be short on distance, but it packs a punch that will welcome the riders to Colorado. Consisting of three 22-mile laps, 66 miles total, Stage 1 packs in 3,080 ft. of climbing per lap with minimal recovery, so this is no easy start. Each lap will see the racers fight for position onto the narrow, but beautiful Maroon Creek Bridge, then grind up to Snowmass Village. A quick descent leads to two short, but steep climbs and a quick loop through downtown before doing it all again. Pair that with a starting elevation of 7,900 ft. and you have one tough opening day. No one will win the 2013 USA Pro Challenge on this opening day, but without a strong start, someone could lose it.

Stage 2:  Aspen to Breckenridge – Tuesday, Aug. 20
While much of the Stage 2 course has been used in previous years, 2013 will mix things up by taking the riders in different directions, creating a unique new stage. The familiar battleground of Independence Pass will be anything but easy as riders ascend the 12,000 ft. climb, the highest point reached in any professional cycling race. Then they’ll continue on through some familiar spots as the race zooms through Buena Vista, Fairplay and Alma, before tackling Hoosier Pass from the south this year. But it’s not over until it’s over, so before crossing the line the riders will have to conquer the nasty 15 percent grade of Moonstone Rd. in the heart of Breckenridge, before bombing down Boreas Pass to the waiting crowd.

Stage 3:  Breckenridge to Steamboat Springs – Wednesday, Aug. 21
Stage 3 will be difficult to predict for even the biggest cycling fans. Can the climbers hold off the field or can the sprinters hang on? Stage 3 of this year’s USA Pro Challenge is wide open for the taking. After leaving Breckenridge, Swan Mountain Rd. provides a great launch pad for breakaways as the riders weave north to Kremmling, but it’s all just a prelude to the day’s main showdown on Rabbit Ears Pass. Climbing the challenging eastern slope will give the climbers a chance, but they will have to hold off the sprinters for 20 miles after cresting the top as they head downtown Steamboat Springs. Can they do it? Or will there be a repeat of 2011’s thrilling and monstrous field sprint?

Stage 4:  Steamboat Springs to Beaver Creek – Thursday, Aug. 22
Stage 4 is the Queen Stage of the 2013 USA Pro Challenge. It features some previously used terrain, but with some added spice. One thing is for sure, the road to the final podium in Denver goes straight over Bachelor Gulch. A new start in Steamboat will send the race off onto new country roads around Routt County. This roller coaster of small hills gives way to a gentle route south until the racers have to climb up from the river bottom at State Bridge. That’s just the beginning, as the new approach to Beaver Creek will now send the racers up the new climb of Bachelors Gulch. It may not be the longest or most well-known climb, but it is quite possibly the toughest. The relentless grade with pitches up to 18 percent will do real damage and create the sort of epic racing for which the Pro Challenge is known. After Bachelor Gulch, the leaders still have to race down a technical descent and power up the final 2 km climb to Beaver Creek Village. By that time the winner may not even have the strength left for a victory salute.

Stage 5:  Vail Individual Time Trial – Friday, Aug. 23
The last time the USA Pro Challenge visited Vail, the Time Trial was decided by 58 hundredths of a second. Competition will be equally fierce this time around, but the names may change a bit. The course’s roots are in Colorado racing lore and trace back to the Coors Classic. Starting in Vail and climbing most of the way up Vail Pass, the route is no easy proposition, even for the best racers on earth. The gentle grades of the first half of the course give way to a steady climb for the last three miles. But it takes more than legs on this strategic course; go too hard early and the climb may kill your chances, but conserve too much for the climb and the leaderboard may be out of reach.

Stage 6:  Loveland to Ft. Collins – Saturday, Aug. 24
With a flat speed-fest scheduled for Sunday in Denver, any contenders for the Leader Jersey will have only this stage left to make a move or lose it all. The outskirts of Loveland will see the racers off as they spend some early miles on the flat windswept plains passing through Windsor and back to Loveland. Then it’s up Big Thompson Canyon where things will heat up. Split north onto Devils Gultch, the race’s last King of the Mountains competition, before hitting Estes Park and back down Big Thompson. Horsetooth Reservoir provides one last chance for aggression on its steep rollers. If no one gets away here, look for the sprinters to have their day.

Stage 7:  Denver Circuit Race – Sunday, Aug. 25
We marvel at their raw speed. We watch their daring moves and nerves of steel as they fight for position with awe. We gasp at their handling skills. They are the sprinters. And for six days they have been fighting over mountains trying to stay with racers 20 or more pounds lighter. They have flirted with thin air and time cuts, but today belongs to them. The Denver Circuit takes the best parts of the 2011 and 2012 Denver stages and combines them into a new circuit. It still hits all the Denver highlights – LoDo, City Park, Civic Center Park. There isn’t a bad viewing spot. Watch for early breakaways…can they hold off the surging peloton? Watch the teams cue up and try to set up their sprinters…can they get to the front? Watch the last corner and see who has the nerve to take it the fastest and claim the final prize in the shadow of Colorado’s Capitol.

Host city information, maps and elevation profiles are available on the race website at http://usaprocyclingchallenge.com/2013-route.

About the USA Pro Challenge
Referred to as “America’s Race,” the USA Pro Challenge will take place August 19-25, 2013 and travel through eight host cities from Aspen to Denver. For seven consecutive days, the world’s top athletes race through the majestic Colorado Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they’ve ever had to endure. After attracting more than 1 million spectators in 2012, making it one of the largest cycling events in U.S. history and the largest spectator event in the history of the state, the USA Pro Challenge is back for 2013. Featuring a challenging, 599-mile course, the third annual race will spotlight the best of the best in professional cycling and some of America’s most beautiful scenery.

More information can be found online at www.USAProCyclingChallenge.com and on Twitter at @USAProChallenge.
 

2013 USA PRO CHALLENGE route maps View Route

This was my guess at the 2013 route map (pretty close)
2013 USA Pro Challenge, 7 stages click to enlarge

Photos of the Vail time trial roads - my recommendation for a great day to watch the race. This year the Individual Time Trial is on a Friday.

The frontage road in Vail, CO
A short 10-mile climb at altitude

There no cars allowed on this section - this is FAN territory. Walk or ride your bike.
The side road was the old road over Vail Pass, now used by cyclists
The fun starts here. The side road on Vail Pass begins here - no car passage.
FOR FANS

Learn more about the pro team bikes, equipment, and jerseys:

Bikes of The Peloton : 2013 ProTeam Rides, By Cycling Tips (*Why repeat what someone else has done marvelously by capturing pictures of every road bike in the professional cycling ProTeams for 2013).

2013 Cycling Jerseys, By Ciclismo (*Again why repeat a perfectly good project that probably took this blogger hours to complete - thank you!)

2013 Riders and teams Database By CyclingNews.com (Lists of riders, managers, Directeurs sportifs, neo pros, and which riders left the teams in 2012.

2013 Team and Rider Statistics, By ProCyclingStats (team rosters, calendars, race rosters, race results, and rankings)

Pro Team Sponsors: What Do They Do? By The Inner Ring

ProTeam Equipment 2013 - Bikes, Components, Wheels and Tires By Pedal Dancer

ProTeam Equipment 2013 - Pedals, Saddles, Clothing, and Helmets By Pedal Dancer

2013 Pro Teams, and Social Media links (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, websites) By Pedal Dancer 
Fan Education


Fun education about cycling by Pedal Dancer®
How to read a Stage Log (time table): 



 On the first line, the start time is always definite. In the last two columns every street and turn is listed. Because the organizers of the race are not certain how fast the riders will be racing, they give several approximations of times based on average speed of a rider. The first column lists the slowest possible time at 22 mph for this stage, (speeds will vary based on flat or climbing stages). Column 2, 3, and 4 list other faster times according to increasing speeds. As fans it is best to be there by at least the fastest time listed on the log, but not to expect the riders until the slowest time listed in column 1 of the log. This insures that you will not miss seeing the race. Try to arrive much earlier to enjoy the atmosphere and avoid traffic. Pay attention to road closures (listed below under each stage when I found them available online). 
 

Cycling Terminology for the USA Pro Challenge

Riders: In professional cycling the racers are generally called riders as opposed to racers or cyclists. 

Staff: A cycling team is made up of many parts beyond the riders. The Team Manager handles general operations, commitments, and sponsorship. Directeurs Sportif drive the team cars and plan race strategy. Coaches, Therapists, and Team Doctors work together to train and keep the athletes healthy and riding well. Mechanics maintain all team equipment.  Soigneurs are the run around guys/gals handling bags and supplies, food and water, clothing, and set-up; while making sure the riders know the way to the sign-in stage, start line, and hotel. They also give bidons and swag to small children. Some Soigneurs also give massage after the race to riders, or the team might have a designated Masseuse. Most of the team staff are a friendly bunch, but their priorities are rider safety and support so always stay outside the rope lines and ask first for autographs or swag. 

 Roster: A list of each rider on each team, their country, and their bib (dossard) number. Bring a roster with you so you may easily identify riders. Both the rider and their bike will be numbered. Some riders have their last name on their jersey of helmet.
Route map (Parcours): The course or path the riders will take from start to finish. Some stages will have laps where riders will repeat the same few blocks within the stage. Stage 8 has 5 laps before the finish.

Stage profile: Maps the ascents and descents along a stage. It is often fun for fans to see the riders on a climb where the rider's speed slows slightly (or coming around a corner).

Rolling neutral start: Riders begin at a start line but do not begin racing until a few blocks or miles into the route (the distance varies). A neutral start is used if the start area conditions are narrow, crowded, or unsafe for race conditions. A neutral start is also sometimes used as a show of respect. Stages 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 all have neutral starts this year.

Rolling Closure: Rolling road closures affect all traffic on the race route - roads are not considered "closed" but instead closed  as the riders proceed along the route, enabling the racers to maintain a race speed. Rolling closures are exactly controlled and orchestrated by police, race marshals, local volunteers, and race officials for the safety of both riders and citizens. Roads are closed to all on-coming and entering traffic 20-30 minutes before the race caravan passes a stretch of road. Once the line of riders and official cars have passed each section safely, the road section will be immediately re-opened by officials or volunteers. Rolling closures are temporary moving closures, expect delays of 30-45 minutes.

Road Closure:  Road Closures are completely closed to auto traffic, but often remain open to pedestrian foot traffic and bike traffic up until a set time prior to the race passing through. Road Closure times will be posted by city officials notifying citizens ahead of time, all citizens must obey. Road closures are strictly enforced and necessary for safety, with no exceptions other than official race vehicles allowed passage.
KOM (King of Mountain): First rider to the top of a designated climb on the race route. Riders receive points, the rider with the most points wins the King of the Mountain (KOM) (climber's) jersey. The jersey transfers each day to the rider with the most points overall. There may be more than one KOM point in a stage, Stage 4 has 6 KOMs.
Sprint: First rider to a designated sprint line on the race route. Riders receive points, the rider with the most points wins the sprint (green) jersey. The jersey transfers each day to the rider with the most points overall. There may be more than one KOM point in a stage, Stage 2 has 3 SPRINTS. 
Leader: There will be a current leader out on course while the race is taking place, but the overall Leader (yellow jersey) is the rider with the lowest (fastest) overall time for all stages. The winner of each day's stage is called the Stage Winner, not the Leader. 
Feed zone: A designated area on the route where team staff must pass out food bags (musettes) to the riders containing food. Water may be handed to riders through team cars throughout the stage.
Breakaway: 1 to a few riders who are leading the race and ahead of the main peloton
Peloton: The main pack of riders chasing the lead breakaway.  
Podium girls: A tradition in professional cycling to have 2 beautiful women present the awards to the riders at the finish of every stage.
Podium: Each day the top three riders finishing the stage are awarded 1st, 2nd, 3rd prizes on the podium. Then the 6 overall Classification jerseys are awarded. 
Classification Jerseys: Awards for best type of rider in a field. This year the Tour of California will feature 6 classifications: Leader (fastest overall time, yellow jersey), Most Courageous (by vote, white jersey), Mountain (climber, red polka dot jersey), Sprint (fastest sprinter, green jersey), Best Young rider (under the age of 23, orange jersey), Most Aggressive (most combative/competitive, black jersey). As the stage race progresses the overall classification winner is presented with his jersey after each stage and will wear the jersey at the start of the next day's stage. View the Official 2012 Jerseys.
Stage Race: a cycling race consisting of more than one day of racing, where points and time is tallied every day to determine an overall winner at the end of the race. The 2012 Amgen Tour of California will have 8 stages.
Bib Number or Dossard: please read an earlier Pedal Dancer post to understand how riders are numbered: Word of the Day: Dossard
*For more terminology read the Amgen Tour of California Bicycle Racing Terminology: A Primer. For a far more advanced international version read The Inner Ring's glossary of cycling terms Lexicon.

Options for viewing the race for Fans:


Choose your experience: 
  • Start Area: Lots to see as teams and riders prepare for the days race, fun photographs and autographs. Good for families and knowledgeable fans. Fantastic during Individual Time Trials as the riders warm up, weigh & measure bikes and roll down the start ramp.
  • In any town: You can sit and enjoy a meal at a cafe and then go to the side of the road to watch the riders race by. Good for locals or those wanting to avoid the crowds.
  • In the countryside: You may picnic or hike before the riders come through on the road, then watch the flash of color roar by.
  • On a mountain: Cycle out to a mountain pass to watch the riders climb - lots of atmosphere and fun with the fans. Good for cyclists.
  • Finish Area: Enjoy a meal before or after the finish. Visit the Festival of vendors and sponsors. Watch a very fast exciting sprint finish to the line. Limited rider viewing, but fun anticipation and event atmosphere. 
  • Stay over in a host city if possible, sometimes you will see staff walking around the bustling towns, mechanics working on the bikes, or the riders stopping in for an early morning coffee. 
Typical timing of a race day:
  • 8:00-9:00 - arrive, park, have a meal in a restaurant or coffee shop (arrive 2-3 hrs before the start time), or begin your ride out onto the course. 
  • 9:00-12:00 - watching fans, staff, riders at the Start area prepare for the day. Team buses arrive 1.5-2 hours before the start time. 
  • 10:30-12:00 - the race begins from the Start village. The roads in the direction of the race will not be passable while the riders are racing on them. Individual Time Trials start about 1pm.
  • 1:00-3:00 - riders hit the climbs for the day. Use your Apps to track the race.
  • 2:00-4:00 - watching fans and waiting for riders at the Finish area. The Lifestyle Festival is typically large and active at the Finish. 
  • 4:00-5:00 - riders race across the Finish line. 
  • 5-5:30ish - awards ceremony on the podium at the stage near the finish line (within 30 minutes of the finish). Bikes are cleaned and packed up near the team buses. Riders might transfer to nearby team hotels in team cars. If the team travels to another city, they will load in the big team buses. 
  • 5:30-7 - give back to the host city and take in a meal, shop, or hotel it while the traffic settles. 

About the Race

 The event is called a stage race (UCI 2.HC). The same group of riders will race day after day for 7 days, from city to city across the state of Colorado, with no rest day. 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 2 weekends, the Colorado tour is a 1-week race from Monday August 20th through Sunday August 26th. Opportunities to be a fan along the route abound and are free (unless you would like to pay for a VIP package experience). The race was very popular with riders last year, who gave overwhelming praise for the organization of the race, and said they looked forward to coming back in 2012. 
An introduction written by the Organizers of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge
"For seven consecutive days, the world’s top athletes race through the majestic Colorado Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they’ve ever had to endure as they ascend over three mountain passes, each exceeding 12,000 ft. in elevation. After attracting more than 1 million spectators in 2011, making it one of the largest cycling events in U.S. history, the USA Pro Challenge is back for 2012. Featuring a challenging, 683-mile course with more than 42,000 ft. of vertical climbing, the second annual race will spotlight the best of the best in professional cycling and some of America’s most beautiful scenery. Referred to as “America’s Race,” the USA Pro Challenge will take place August 20-26, 2012, a week proclaimed by Governor John Hickenlooper as “Colorado Cycling Holiday,” and travel through 12 host cities from Durango to Denver. More information can be found online at www.USAProCyclingChallenge.com and on Twitter at @USAProChallenge."

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. You 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

Road closures are a key concern, detailed information may be found here regarding roads, direction of traffic halted, and times: http://www.cotrip.org/content/usapcc/  Once you are on the website, please select from the Stage tabs on the page to see the road closures affecting roads near each stage.
 
CDOT has created an excellent website for fans regarding travel advisories for roads on the race route.  http://www.cotrip.org/content/usapcc/   For a highlight of important facts you need to know about road closures during the race read: Road and Pass closures for USA Pro Cycling Challenge. 

Definitions: 
Full road closures: No traffic is allowed on the course other than official race vehicles. The routes of the Individual Time Trial on Stage 7 in Denver will have full road closure (closed all of the time). This is to allow for a constant stream of cyclists along the route. Certain mountain top roads might be fully closed to car traffic.
Rolling road closures Most other stages will have rolling full road closures. These will be expertly coordinated by race organizers and police, and should only close the road for 20-30 minutes as the caravan/convoy moves down the road. Non-tour vehicles will be allowed to precede the race and follow the race. Any on-coming traffic headed toward the race will be pulled over by motorcycle police. 
Full closure means that all lanes of traffic will be cleared from the road, in both directions. All side traffic attempting to enter the road will be stopped until the race (and all support vehicles) passes through. 
Mountain Pass Closures: mountain passes are generally closed for the duration of time it takes one car to complete the entire distance over the pass, and then double that time for complete safety. The exception is Cottonwood Pass that will close the night before the race to allow for work to be completed on the gravel road to reduce the washboard (bumpy road).
 
CYCLING IN COLORADO

 Weather in Colorado: Mountains - Cool nights (50s), crisp mornings, bright clear sunburn hot mid-day temperatures (80s), afternoon rain showers, fantastic evenings. Denver hot and dry (80s-90s).
Riding in Colorado: When riding a bike in Colorado, safely estimate 14-16mph, as your average ride speed to allow for stops, regrouping, picture taking, weather, finding water (no domestiques) and food (no feed zones for you). Add in our famous altitude as an explanation for slower climbing speeds, and you realize why it is geographically and physiologically improbable to do it all on most stages. There are also long stretches of road in Colorado without water or facilities. Roads along the race route will have rolling closures, sag support vehicles may not be able to accompany their cyclists at every point on the stage. Mountain passes will experience full road closures hours before (or even the night before) the race. Riding to and from stages on a bike is highly recommended. Also getting in a good ride before or after seeing a stage could be great fun. 
 
Looking back at the 2012 race - posts and pictures by Pedal Dancer about the USA Pro Challenge

2012 posts by Pedal Dancer® - pre-race
2012 posts by Pedal Dancer® - at the race
2012 posts by Pedal Dancer® - after the race

Photos from 2012 USA Pro Challenge by Pedal Dancer
At the start line in Breckenridge  ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com
Christian Vande Velde  ©Photo by Ron Long for PedalDancer.com
Joe Dombrowski   ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com
Ivan Basso   ©Photo by Ron Long for PedalDancer.com
Taylor Phinney   ©Photo by Ron Long for PedalDancer.com
Jens Voigt's smile  ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com
Garmin-Sharp-Barracuda's Tyler Farrar, Lachlan Morton, Nathan Haas   ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com
Damiano Caruso and Christian Vande Velde sure look like they were enjoying themselves    
©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com
Podium Girls 2012 with Tom Danielson  ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com
Christian VandeVelde, Tyler Farrar, Joe Dombrowski   ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com
An emotional Tejay on the final podium in Denver. He is a true fighter.    ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com
The youthful joy of Taylor Phinney   ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com
A successful and grateful Tyler Farrar (with the Mayor of Denver)  ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com
And some champagne for the victor Christian   ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com

Jens Voigt  ©Photo by Laurie Valaer for PedalDancer.com

©Photo by Laurie Valaer for PedalDancer.com
Dave Zabriskie  ©Photo by Laurie Valaer for PedalDancer.com
Jakob Fuglsang ©Photo by Laurie Valaer for PedalDancer.com
Levi Leipheimer  ©Photo by Laurie Valaer for PedalDancer.com
® 
Jens Voigt    ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®
Cadel Evans   ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®
Ron Kiefel and George Hincapie  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®
Tejay Van Garderen ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®
Tom Danielson and Ivan Basso ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®
This was Jen's final view to the finish line before his big win in Beaver Creek
©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com
The Go Timmy Duggan Fan Club (who also happen to be his family)  ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com
Jens Voigt wins Stage 4 of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge  ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com
Tejay Van Garderen would take yellow this day ©Photo by Ron Long for PedalDancer.com
The finish in Beaver Creek ©Photo by Ron Long for PedalDancer.com
Ivan Basso   ©Photo by Ron Long for PedalDancer.com
Tejay being pushed by Georges  ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com
Tejay van Garderen    ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com
Tom Danielson on Independence Pass    ©Photo by Mike for PedalDancer.com
Peter Stetina  ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com
Stage 3 of 7 and Cadel Evans looked so tired  ©Photo by Ron Long for PedalDancer.com
Tyler Farrar   ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com
Vincenzo Nibali  ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com
Ted King  ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com
USA Pro Challenge Podium Girls Leah and Holly  ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com
CEO Shawn Hunter ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com
The fans in Telluride  ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com
Tyler Farrar wins Stage 1  ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com
 Race Director Jim Birrel pushing Matthew Busche  ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com
USA Pro Cycling Challenge Prize Money

Traveling in Colorado

BIKE SHOPS
Image of Vail Valley looking west
Gore Creek flows through Vail, CO
Hiking near Vail
Frisco Marina
Bike path near Lake Dillon
Looking back at the 2012 race - race details, route maps, and posts and pictures by Pedal Dancer about the USA Pro Challenge
Looking back at the 2011 race - race details, route maps, and posts and pictures by Pedal Dancer about the USA Pro Challenge 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Please enhance this blog with your comment

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)