As the USA Pro Cycling Challenge gets closer to deciding the final route for the 2012 race, organizers are revealing their plan for the finish of Stage 6 in Boulder. In a City Council meeting that took place yesterday, the Boulder local organizing committee told the City Council they are planning to bring the race through Boulder twice during Stage 6, with a finish at the amphitheater area on Flagstaff Mountain.
“What a thrill it will be for fans from all over the world to see these riders compete up a marquee climb on one of the most iconic mountains in Colorado’s Front Range,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO and co-chair of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. “There is a great cycling heritage in Boulder and we know there will be thousands of fans lining the Stage 6 route to witness the best athletes in the world competing for the win.”
Although the complete race route has not been finalized and will not be released until next month, spectators in Boulder will have the opportunity to see the riders multiple times, as they pass through downtown twice during Stage 6. The first pass will take place as the riders come into the city from Golden, and the second pass will happen later in the day as they return to downtown Boulder before heading up to Flagstaff Mountain. Large video screens, entertainment, hospitality and vendor booths will be set up in the heart of downtown on Pearl St., creating a festival atmosphere for fans.
Details About the Stage 6 Route
Stage 6 will depart from Golden, a second-year host city and site of one of the largest crowds in the 2011 race, but not before several circuit laps around downtown provide fans with the chance to cheer on their favorite riders. The peloton will then head north on CO 93 en route to Boulder, a city very well known for its bicycle culture. Upon arrival in downtown Boulder, the sprinters will have an opportunity to earn valuable points with a sprint line adjacent to the Pearl Street Mall and the USA Pro Challenge expo area.
After the sprint points have been awarded, the route will head up Boulder Canyon along CO 119 towards Nederland and the day’s first KOM competition. Joining the cycling fans in this small mountain town will be the 14th Annual Nedfest, a music, arts and microbrew festival. Riders will continue climbing as they are faced with ascents exceeding 9,300 ft. on the incredible Peak to Peak Highway before a long and fast descent into the town of Lyons, where they will encounter another sprint line.
Classic local climbs up Lefthand Canyon and Lee Hill Rd. present the next set of challenges for the riders before they return for one final pass through downtown Boulder. In a dramatic race to the finish, the riders will head up “The Hill” to Flagstaff Mountain where a 3.5-mile vertical race to the finish line at Sunrise Amphitheater will commence.
Complete route details, including maps and elevation profiles will be released next month.
