Steamboat Springs To Host 2015 USA Pro Cycling Challenge
For the 3rd time in 5 years, the USA Pro Challenge will make an appearance in Steamboat Springs. This time Steamboat will kick off the weeklong cycling event with a new circuit through some scenic backroads followed by the start of Stage 2 where the cyclists will head over Rabbit Ears Pass and end the day at Arapahoe Basin.
This is such a great event and our community holds nothing back when celebrating and cheering on the professional cyclists. Here is a video I shot of the race its first year through Steamboat Springs in 2011.
Here are all the details of the upcoming professional cycling race from the USA Pro Challenge website:
DENVER (April 28, 2015) - The 2015 USA Pro Challenge swings into action in its fifth year with a new circuit start in Steamboat Springs on Monday, August 17th and then it makes its way through another eight stunning host cities for the race finale in Denver on Sunday, August 23, 2015.
The Rocky Mountains of Colorado serve as home for the USA Pro Challenge, and every year since its inception over a million fans get to witness the world's best cyclists, iconic routes and lung-piercing climbs of the seven stage event. With the State of Colorado containing 28 of the 50 highest peaks in the United States, it's no surprise the race is a favorite for the world's top teams and cyclists.
"Each of our 2015 host cities offers something unique and special to the 5th anniversary of the Pro Challenge," said Shawn Hunter, CEO of USA Pro Challenge. "We're confident that this year's route will provide the most exciting week of racing yet. We have added new cities and a dramatic mountaintop finish that will prove to be a fierce battleground for riders eager to show they have what it takes to compete on a new climb up Loveland Pass."
The Pro Challenge has grown into the largest spectator event in Colorado history with tremendous crowds enjoying the weeklong race action and event festivities. New additions to this year's race include: Arapahoe Basin, Loveland Pass, Copper Mountain and a lung buster time-trial in Breckenridge, a new twist for a familiar host city of past races. This year the USA Pro Challenge also pays homage to the inaugural race in 2011 with a repeat of that year's final stage - from Golden to Denver.
The 2015 USA Pro Challenge race is back with a combination of familiar host cities and new communities added into the mix.
Highlights of the route include:
Stage 1 - Steamboat Springs Circuit - Monday, August 17, 2015
After a brief venture onto the rolling roads of Routt County in 2013, the USA Pro Challenge knew it had to make a return to put on a classic circuit race. The quiet roads offer straights, twists, and a few rather steep surprises. Match that with the fan favorite host city of Steamboat Springs, and you have the makings of a great opening stage. This 49-mile circuit will be completed twice by the peloton, creating great spectator opportunities both in Steamboat Springs and for on course locations like the Rt. 27 KOM climb and the town of Oak Creek. Will Steamboat Springs be treated to another classic sprint finish or will the challenges of Routt County create an opportunity for a surprise first yellow jersey of 2015? Either way, the fans of Steamboat Springs will be treated to quite a show.
Stage 2 - Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin - Tuesday, August 18, 2015
As the Pro Challenge says goodbye to its overall start host, Steamboat Springs, it welcomes a new member to the family with the race's first visit to Arapahoe Basin. Leaving Steamboat Springs there is little time to settle in before the pros have to tackle Rabbit Ears Pass. From there, this familiar route heads south through Kremmling, around the Green Mtn. Reservoir, and continues through Silverthorne and Dillon. Unlike years past, the 2015 Pro Challenge will then turn east and suffer 5 miles up Loveland Pass to Arapahoe Basin. Look for jerseys to change hands, dreams fulfilled for some, expectations dashed for others, on this new mountain top finish.
Stage 3 - Copper Mountain to Aspen - Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Another new twist on an old favorite, but this time it is the opening that changes. Copper Mountain plays host to its first ever Pro Challenge stage and sends off Stage 3 in style, while familiar terrain and fans await the race on Independence Pass and the run into Aspen. No rest for the weary this day as the climbing starts right away with the ascent of Freemont Pass, followed by the gorgeous shores of Turquoise Lake and then a quick sprint through Leadville. However that is only the appetizer as the main course awaits on the upper slopes of Independence Pass and then it's down the breathtaking descent into Aspen where some of the most memorable moments in Pro Challenge history have played out. Oh, and by the way, over half of Stage 3 takes place above 10,000 feet. Bring your lungs.
Stage 4 - Aspen to Breckenridge - Thursday, August 20, 2015
Stage 5 - Breckenridge Time Trial - Friday, August 21, 2015
Stage 6 - Loveland to Ft. Collins - Saturday, August 22, 2015
Stage 7 - Golden to Denver - Sunday, August 23, 2015
One of the most highly anticipated events on the race calendar, the 2015 USA Pro Challenge will test the riders' strength and endurance over a 605 mile course. To give fans the opportunity to see their heroes up close and in action, each stage, with the exception of the individual time trial, will start with at least one circuit lap in the start city before leaving town.
Host city information, maps and elevation profiles are available on the race website at http://www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/route
About the USA Pro Challenge Referred to as "America's Race," the USA Pro Challenge will take place August 17-23, 2015 and an inaugural Women's USA Pro Challenge will take place from August 21-23, 2015. For seven consecutive days, the world's top male and female athletes race through the majestic Colorado Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they've ever had to endure. 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 2015. Featuring a challenging course, the fifth annual race will spotlight the best of the best in professional cycling and some of America's most beautiful scenery.
More information and route maps can be found online at www.prochallenge.com.
Hope to see you here,
Charlie
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