Colorado’s altitude is expected to be a big factor in the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in August. Stage 2, the “Queen’s Stage”, goes from Gunnison to Aspen. Cottonwood Pass at 12,126′ is a dirt road for 12 miles followed by Independence Pass at 12,095′. These are the two highest known climbs in international cycling.
The Prologue will be at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.
Garden of the Gods was the site of the 1995 Colorado Cyclist race which was a warmup for the 1995 World Championships in Colombia. Andy Hampsten, Miguel Indurain and their Banesto team raced here before going to Colombia’s high altitude.
Stage 1: Salida across Monarch Pass to finish on Mt Crested Butte.
Stage 3: will be a 10 mile time trial around Vail and with lots of climbing.
Stage 4: Avon to Steamboat Springs-5,000′ elevation change, 6.1 percent grade over 4.8 miles
Stage 5: Steamboat to Breckenridge over Rabbit Ears Pass.
Stage 6: the final stage, from Golden to Denver over Lookout Mountain.
Steamboat, Breckenridge and Denver will be sprint finishes.
