The race will start in Aspen on August 19 with a circuit race. New in 2013 will be a stop in Fort Collins, the time trial will be in Vail again instead of Denver which will end with a circuit race.
Stage 1 |
August 19 |
Aspen/Snowmass |
Circuit |
Stage 2 |
August 20 |
Aspen/Snowmass |
Breckenridge |
Stage 3 |
August 21 |
Breckenridge |
Steamboat |
Stage 4 |
August 22 |
Steamboat |
Beaver Creek |
Stage 5 |
August 23 |
Vail |
Time Trial |
Stage 6 |
August 24 |
Loveland/Ft Collins |
Circuit |
Stage 7 |
August 25 |
Denver |
Circuit |
The circuit stages allows fans to see the race more than a stage where the race is whizzing by. It also gives more to the host towns. The old Coors Classic had lots of circuit/criterium stages that were really popular. The time trial up Vail Pass has a history back to the Coors Classic in 1988.
Race director Sean Hunter: “Aspen’s the perfect host. It’s a world-class resort. It’s known around the world and has the infrastructure… It’s a great place to bring athletes and a great place to bring fans.”
This will be the first time Loveland and Fort Collins will be part of the race. Boulder opted out and Colorado Springs lost its bid this time around. The race intends to get to Grand Junction but not in 2013.
2012 Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins and the Sky Team are expected to participate.