Experience the Thrill of Colorado Bicycle Races 2015: A Guide to the Best Routes and Competitions

Get ready to pedal! Check out the thrilling Colorado bicycle races happening in 2015. From road to mountain biking, it's an event not to be missed.

Colorado bicycle races have always been a favorite among cycling enthusiasts. The state's rugged terrain, with its undulating hills and picturesque landscapes, offers the perfect setting for challenging bike races. Every year, the state hosts some of the most prestigious bicycle races in the country, attracting top cyclists from around the world. The 2015 season was no exception, with a packed schedule of events that offered something for everyone.

One of the highlights of the 2015 season was the Colorado Classic, a four-day stage race that took place in August. This event brought together some of the best professional cyclists in the world, including several Tour de France winners. Fans lined the streets to cheer on their favorite riders and witness the excitement of this high-profile race.

Another popular event on the 2015 calendar was the Triple Bypass, a challenging ride that covers over 120 miles and climbs three mountain passes. This ride is not for the faint-hearted, but it attracts thousands of participants each year who relish the opportunity to test their mettle against some of the toughest terrain in the state.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the Bike MS Colorado was a great option. This two-day event raised money for multiple sclerosis research and provided riders with a scenic tour of Colorado's Front Range. The route covered over 150 miles and included stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

The 2015 season also featured a number of cyclocross races, which are known for their intense, off-road courses that require riders to navigate obstacles like barriers and steep hills. These races are often held in the fall and winter months, and they offer a unique challenge for cyclists who want to experience something different from traditional road races.

One of the biggest draws of Colorado bicycle races is the scenery. The state's natural beauty is on full display during these events, with riders passing through lush forests, rolling meadows, and towering mountains. Many races also take place in historic towns and cities, providing a glimpse into Colorado's rich cultural heritage.

But Colorado bicycle races are not just about the scenery. They also offer a chance for cyclists to push themselves to their limits and test their skills against some of the best riders in the world. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, there's a race in Colorado that will challenge you and help you reach your cycling goals.

Of course, no discussion of Colorado bicycle races would be complete without mentioning the weather. The state is known for its unpredictable climate, which can range from hot and sunny to cold and snowy in a matter of hours. This adds an element of unpredictability to races and requires riders to be prepared for anything.

Despite the challenges, Colorado bicycle races continue to attract cyclists from all over the world. Whether you're looking to compete at the highest level or simply enjoy a scenic ride through the mountains, there's a race in Colorado that will meet your needs. So grab your bike and get ready to experience the thrill of Colorado cycling!

Introduction

Colorado is known for its breathtaking landscapes and scenic routes, making it a perfect location for bicycle races. The state hosts several races every year, attracting some of the best cyclists from all around the world. In 2015, Colorado hosted some of the most exciting and challenging bicycle races, which left spectators in awe.

The USA Pro Challenge

One of the most popular annual bicycle races in Colorado is the USA Pro Challenge. In 2015, the race featured seven stages covering almost 600 miles, and it attracted some of the top cyclists in the world. The race started in Steamboat Springs and ended in Denver, with several mountain climbs along the way.

Stage 1: Steamboat Springs Circuit Race

The first stage of the USA Pro Challenge in 2015 was a circuit race in Steamboat Springs. The route was 49.9 miles long, featuring three laps around the city. Peter Sagan, a Slovakian cyclist, won the stage, giving his team, Tinkoff-Saxo, an early lead in the race.

Stage 2: Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin

The second stage of the race was a challenging one, covering a distance of 105.6 miles from Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin. The stage featured several mountain passes, including the Loveland Pass, which is over 11,000 feet high. Rohan Dennis, an Australian cyclist, won the stage, taking the overall lead in the race.

Stage 3: Copper Mountain Resort to Aspen

The third stage of the race was a 101.5-mile route from Copper Mountain Resort to Aspen. The route featured two mountain climbs, including the Independence Pass, which is over 12,000 feet high. Janier Acevedo, a Colombian cyclist, won the stage, while Rohan Dennis maintained his overall lead in the race.

Stage 4: Aspen to Breckenridge

The fourth stage of the USA Pro Challenge in 2015 was a 126.1-mile route from Aspen to Breckenridge. The stage featured three mountain climbs, including the Hoosier Pass, which is over 11,500 feet high. Ruben Zepuntke, a German cyclist, won the stage, while Rohan Dennis maintained his lead in the race.

Stage 5: Breckenridge Individual Time Trial

The fifth stage of the race was an individual time trial in Breckenridge. The route was 8.5 miles long, featuring a climb up Moonstone Road. Rohan Dennis won the stage, extending his lead in the race.

Stage 6: Loveland to Fort Collins

The sixth stage of the race was a 102.2-mile route from Loveland to Fort Collins. The stage featured several climbs, including the Big Thompson Canyon. Taylor Phinney, an American cyclist, won the stage, while Rohan Dennis maintained his lead in the race.

Stage 7: Golden to Denver

The final stage of the USA Pro Challenge in 2015 was a 68.6-mile route from Golden to Denver. The stage featured several laps around the city, including a climb up Lookout Mountain. Rohan Dennis won the race, becoming the first Australian to win the USA Pro Challenge.

The Colorado Classic

In 2015, Colorado also hosted the inaugural Colorado Classic, a four-stage bicycle race featuring both men's and women's teams. The race took place in Colorado Springs, Breckenridge, and Denver.

Stage 1: Colorado Springs Circuit Race

The first stage of the Colorado Classic was a circuit race in Colorado Springs. The route was 93.5 miles long, featuring several laps around the city. John Murphy, an American cyclist, won the stage, giving his team, Holowesko-Citadel p/b Hincapie Sportswear, an early lead in the race.

Stage 2: Breckenridge to Breckenridge

The second stage of the race was a 64.1-mile route from Breckenridge to Breckenridge. The route featured several climbs, including the Moonstone Road climb. Manuel Senni, an Italian cyclist, won the stage, taking the overall lead in the race.

Stage 3: Denver Circuit Race

The third stage of the Colorado Classic was a circuit race in Denver. The route was 81.8 miles long, featuring several laps around the city. Manuel Senni maintained his lead in the race, while Marco Canola, an Italian cyclist, won the stage.

Stage 4: Denver Circuit Race

The final stage of the race was also a circuit race in Denver. The route was 74.6 miles long, featuring several laps around the city. Manuel Senni won the race, becoming the first winner of the Colorado Classic.

Conclusion

Colorado is a hub for cyclists, with several challenging and exciting races taking place every year. In 2015, the USA Pro Challenge and the Colorado Classic showcased some of the best cyclists from around the world, leaving spectators in awe of their talent and endurance. These races continue to attract cyclists and fans from all over, making Colorado a must-visit destination for cycling enthusiasts.

Celebrating Cycling: Colorado's 2015 Bicycle Races

Colorado is known for its scenic beauty and incredible mountain ranges, making it the perfect backdrop for a series of challenging and exciting bicycle races. In 2015, the state played host to a number of world-class cycling events that attracted some of the best riders from around the globe.From the high-altitude climbs to the fast-paced sprints, Colorado's bicycle races offered something for every type of rider. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most thrilling moments from the 2015 season, as well as the top cyclists who competed in these incredible races.

A Thrilling Start: The First Leg of the Colorado Bicycle Races

The 2015 cycling season kicked off with the USA Pro Challenge, a seven-stage race that took place over the course of a week in August. The first leg of the race started in Steamboat Springs and finished in Arapahoe Basin, covering a distance of 126 miles.The stage was dominated by BMC Racing Team, with Rohan Dennis taking the win and his teammate Brent Bookwalter finishing in second place. The two riders broke away from the pack early on in the race and managed to maintain their lead until the finish line.This thrilling start set the tone for the rest of the USA Pro Challenge, which saw a number of exciting moments and close finishes.

Pushing the Limits: The Toughest Stages of the 2015 Colorado Bicycle Races

While every stage of Colorado's bicycle races presented its own unique challenges, there were a few that stood out as particularly difficult.One such stage was Stage 4 of the USA Pro Challenge, which took riders on a grueling 97-mile journey through the mountains from Aspen to Breckenridge. The stage included three major climbs, including the infamous Independence Pass, which reaches an altitude of over 12,000 feet.Another challenging stage was Stage 5 of the Colorado Classic, a 100-mile race that took riders from Breckenridge to Colorado Springs. The stage included a number of tough climbs and descents, as well as a sprint finish in downtown Colorado Springs.Despite these difficult stages, the top cyclists in the world were able to push themselves to their limits and put on an incredible show for fans.

Women's Cycling Takes Center Stage in 2015 Colorado Bicycle Races

In addition to the USA Pro Challenge and the Colorado Classic, 2015 also saw the inaugural Women's USA Pro Challenge take place in Colorado. The three-stage race featured some of the best female cyclists in the world, including Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong.The first stage of the women's race took place in Breckenridge and covered a distance of 58 miles. The stage was won by Armstrong, who managed to break away from the pack in the final few miles and cross the finish line first.The second stage of the race was a time trial, which took place in Vail. Armstrong once again came out on top, finishing the 8.5 mile course in just under 20 minutes.The final stage of the women's race took place in Golden and featured a challenging climb up Lookout Mountain. Despite a strong showing from the other riders, Armstrong was able to hold onto her lead and take home the overall win.

The Ultimate Challenge: The Colorado Classic Race

The Colorado Classic was the biggest event on the 2015 cycling calendar, featuring four stages and some of the most challenging terrain in the state.The first stage of the race took riders from Colorado Springs to Breckenridge, covering a distance of 92 miles. The stage included a number of tough climbs, including the famous Hoosier Pass, which reaches an altitude of over 11,500 feet.The second stage of the race was a time trial in Vail, while the third stage took riders from Copper Mountain to Aspen. The final stage of the race was a circuit race in downtown Denver, featuring multiple laps around a 10-mile course.In the end, Rohan Dennis of BMC Racing Team was crowned the overall winner of the Colorado Classic, thanks to his strong performances throughout the race.

From Sprinting to Climbing: A Look at the Diverse Routes of the 2015 Colorado Bicycle Races

One of the things that makes Colorado's bicycle races so exciting is the diverse range of routes that they take riders on. From fast-paced sprints to grueling mountain climbs, there's something for every type of cyclist.The USA Pro Challenge, for example, included stages that took riders through downtown cities, as well as stages that crossed high-altitude mountain passes. The Colorado Classic featured a mix of flat and hilly stages, with plenty of opportunities for riders to showcase their sprinting and climbing abilities.No matter what type of cycling you enjoy, Colorado's bicycle races have something to offer.

The Best of the Best: Meet the Top Cyclists Competing in Colorado's Races

Over the years, Colorado's bicycle races have attracted some of the best cyclists in the world. In 2015, the state played host to riders like Kristin Armstrong, Rohan Dennis, and Tejay van Garderen, all of whom have achieved incredible success in their careers.Kristin Armstrong, for example, is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and has won multiple world championships in time trial events. Rohan Dennis has also achieved success in time trials, winning the Australian national championship in the discipline multiple times.Tejay van Garderen, meanwhile, is one of the top American cyclists and has finished in the top five of the Tour de France multiple times.These riders and many others have helped to cement Colorado's reputation as a world-class destination for cycling.

Beyond the Race: Festivities and Events Surrounding the Colorado Bicycle Races

In addition to the races themselves, the cycling events in Colorado are also known for their festive atmosphere and community spirit. Throughout the season, fans can enjoy a wide range of events and activities, including live music, beer gardens, and food festivals.The USA Pro Challenge, for example, featured a number of community events in each of the host cities, including bike races for kids and amateur cyclists. The Colorado Classic also included a free fan festival in downtown Denver, where fans could meet the riders and enjoy a range of entertainment.These events help to create a sense of excitement and camaraderie around the races, bringing together cyclists and fans from all over the world.

A Showcase of Colorado's Scenic Beauty: Highlights from the Bike Routes

One of the things that makes Colorado's bicycle races so special is the stunning scenery that riders get to experience along the way. From snow-capped mountains to rolling hills and verdant forests, the state offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.The USA Pro Challenge, for example, took riders through some of the most picturesque mountain towns in the state, including Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge. The Colorado Classic also featured breathtaking views of the Rockies, as well as the cityscapes of Denver and Colorado Springs.Whether you're a cyclist or a spectator, Colorado's bicycle races offer a chance to witness some of the state's most stunning natural beauty up close and personal.

A Legacy of Cycling: The History and Impact of Colorado's Bicycle Races

For decades, Colorado's bicycle races have been an important part of the state's cultural and sporting landscape. The USA Pro Challenge, for example, was first held in 2011 and quickly became one of the most popular cycling events in the country.These races have also had a significant impact on the local economy, bringing in millions of dollars in tourism revenue each year. They have also helped to raise awareness about the benefits of cycling and promote healthy living and environmental sustainability.Looking to the future, it's clear that Colorado's bicycle races will continue to play a vital role in the state's culture and economy. With their exciting routes, world-class riders, and festive atmosphere, these events are sure to delight fans of cycling for years to come.

Colorado Bicycle Races 2015: A Point of View

Overview

In 2015, Colorado hosted several cycling events that attracted athletes and spectators from all over the world. These races included the USA Pro Challenge, which was a seven-day stage race, as well as various single-day events like the Boulder Roubaix and the Morgul Bismark. As a cycling enthusiast, I had the opportunity to witness some of these events firsthand and have formed my own opinion about them.

Pros

1. Economic Boost: Bicycle races in Colorado bring significant economic benefits to local communities by increasing tourism and generating revenue for businesses.2. Community Building: These events bring people together and create a sense of community among cyclists and non-cyclists alike.3. Promotion of Fitness: Cycling is a healthy and accessible sport that encourages physical activity and promotes an active lifestyle.4. Exposure for Sponsors: Professional cycling events provide exposure for sponsors and help promote their brand.5. Spectator Experience: Watching the races can be a thrilling experience, with high-speed action and stunning scenery.

Cons

1. Traffic Congestion: The races can cause traffic congestion and road closures, which can be inconvenient for those who are not interested in the event.2. Environmental Impact: Large-scale events like cycling races can have a negative impact on the environment.3. Safety Concerns: The high speeds reached during the races can pose a safety risk for both cyclists and spectators.4. Cost: Hosting these events can be expensive, and the cost is often passed on to taxpayers.5. Doping Scandals: Professional cycling has been plagued by doping scandals in the past, which can damage the reputation of the sport.

Comparison Table

Event	Description	Date
USA Pro Challenge	Seven-day stage race through the mountains of Colorado	August 17-23
Boulder Roubaix	Single-day road race in Boulder, CO	April 11
Morgul Bismark	Single-day road race in Superior, CO	May 16

In conclusion, the Colorado bicycle races of 2015 had both positive and negative aspects. While they provided economic benefits and promoted fitness and community building, they also had environmental impacts and safety concerns. Ultimately, the decision to host these events should be carefully considered and weighed against their potential benefits and drawbacks.

Closing Message for Blog Visitors about Colorado Bicycle Races 2015

Thank you for taking the time to read about the exciting bicycle races that took place in Colorado in 2015. As you can see, these races were more than just a competition; they were a celebration of cycling culture and athleticism.

If you are a cycling enthusiast, then you know that Colorado is one of the best places to ride in the United States. The state's beautiful scenery, challenging terrain, and supportive cycling community make it an ideal location for both amateur and professional riders.

The Colorado Bicycle Races 2015 offered something for every type of rider. From the grueling climbs of the USA Pro Challenge to the scenic routes of the Tour de Steamboat, there was no shortage of challenging and rewarding rides to choose from.

One of the highlights of the Colorado Bicycle Races 2015 was the USA Pro Challenge. This seven-day race brought together top professional cyclists from around the world to compete on some of the state's most challenging mountain passes. The event drew large crowds of spectators and created a festive atmosphere in the host cities.

Another standout event was the Tour de Steamboat. This non-competitive ride offered cyclists the chance to explore the beautiful Yampa Valley at their own pace. The 110-mile route included stunning views of the Flat Tops Wilderness area and the Yampa River.

For those looking for a shorter ride, the Copper Triangle was a great option. This 78-mile loop took riders through some of Colorado's most iconic mountain towns, including Leadville and Vail. The route included three high mountain passes, each with its unique challenges and rewards.

Regardless of which event you participated in, or if you simply followed the races from afar, the Colorado Bicycle Races 2015 were a testament to the power of cycling as a sport and a community. These events brought together people from all walks of life who shared a common passion for cycling.

If you are inspired by the Colorado Bicycle Races 2015 and are considering taking up cycling or participating in a race, there are many resources available to help you get started. Local bike shops can provide advice on equipment and training, while cycling clubs offer group rides and support.

Remember that cycling is not just a competition; it is a lifestyle. It offers a way to stay fit, explore new places, and connect with others who share your love of the sport.

Thank you again for reading about the Colorado Bicycle Races 2015. We hope you enjoyed learning about these amazing events and that they have inspired you to get out on your bike and ride!