<>Racer Jennifer Valente makes her way past fans and lots of bubbles as she heads up Vail Pass Trail towards the summit of the time trail during Stage 2 of the Colorado Classic bike race on Aug. 17, in Vail. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post) Rather than dividing limited resources on men’s and women’s races, organizers of the Colorado Classic announced Tuesday that the four-day event next summer will be a standalone women’s race. In a news conference at the state capitol, incoming Gov. Jared Polis said the reconfigured event had the potential to become “the premier women’s race in the Western Hemisphere.” Ken Gart, chairman of RPM Events Group, said the move would allow organizers to put on “one great race instead of two average ones.”The races, which are expected to attract 20 teams, will be held Aug. 22-25 at locations yet to be determined. Organizers see the opportunity to create a women’s race with international … [Read more...] about Colorado Classic is now a women-only pro cycling race
Cycling races colorado
Colorado Classic professional cycling race to return in 2019 — with a twist
The Colorado Classic will return in 2019, with a twist: the third edition of the cycling event will feature only women. Race organizers announced the decision Tuesday morning, adding that next year's prize money will be nearly four times the amount of the 2018 women's purse and more than the 2018 men's purse. The event also will offer stipends to support team travel and expenses.The four-day stage race, slated for Aug. 22-25, will include free live streaming through cycling websites, Facebook Live and the event's Tour Tracker mobile app. Colorado Springs cyclist falls short of back-to-back wins at Colorado Classic“From the inaugural race of the Colorado Classic two years ago, the organization has stood behind women,” three-time Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong said. "The announcement today of a women’s-only UCI stage race truly shows the dedication and commitment the Colorado Classic has to women in sport. I was fortunate enough to have my start in a … [Read more...] about Colorado Classic professional cycling race to return in 2019 — with a twist
You might spot an osprey while cycling through Steamboat Springs
Competing in the Steamboat Triathlon made me realize I need to start factoring “scenery slowdown” into my race times. Race guides, publications and coaches give athletes seconds-shaving tips on everything from tucking into your bike for lower wind resistance to spraying your wetsuit with cooking oil to get it off faster. But I’ve never heard anyone address how to keep your focus on the finish line when racing by eye-drawing vistas, majestic mountain peaks and other distracting natural wonders. During the bike portion of the Steamboat race, an osprey flew right in front of me before alighting on a power pole just to the side of the course. An osprey? Are you kidding me? How am I supposed to speed past the chance for an up-close look at a magnificent bird of prey? Scenery slowdown hasn’t been as big a factor in my previous triathlons because they took place in Boulder, Loveland and Fort Collins. It’s not that these aren’t beautiful places; it’s … [Read more...] about You might spot an osprey while cycling through Steamboat Springs
Velorama returns to peddle cycling race to RiNo rock fans
<>Parker residents Angela Matson, from left, her daughter Winter, 7, husband Josh, and son Nash, 10, browse the inside of Ryan Dykstra Records during the Velorama festival Denver Sunday, Aug. 19 near Blake Street. The second year festival offered concerts, art installations, games, bike events, food and drink. (Daniel Brenner, Special to the Denver Post) With a shaky inaugural year at its back, Velorama, RPM Productions’ hybrid cycling and music festival, returned to RiNo on Friday determined to make a better name for itself on its second lap. Last year’s list of grievances came from all angles. Fans were miffed at its labyrinthian layout and lost more patience when they saw the lengthy beer lines. Cyclists were confounded by the distance between the race and Velorama’s grounds. Vendors struggled with malfunctioning credit card machines and — in the case of the Denver Flea, which did not return this year — poorly considered placement and … [Read more...] about Velorama returns to peddle cycling race to RiNo rock fans
Colorado Classic organizers remain positive but won’t guarantee return of cycling race
DENVER • The cool, cloudy conditions that ushered in the final day of the Colorado Classic seemed an all-too appropriate backdrop for the fledgling cycling event.Now in its second year, the four-stage road race garnered little fanfare during two days in Vail and two days in the Mile High City. Crowds along the routes appeared to be measurably smaller than the first edition of the race in 2017, which included an opening stage in Colorado Springs, and were dwarfed by the number of fans who came out to watch the now-defunct USA Pro Challenge from 2011 to 2015.On the roads, the action Sunday was typical of a final day in Denver as the race leaders managed to stay out of trouble on a flat, 9.1-mile circuit. Representing UnitedHealthCare, Katie Hall proved to be the top woman over the four days and Gavin Mannion was the top man.For Hall, the victory continued a stellar year of top performances. The Colorado Classic title was her fifth in a U.S. stage race in 2018. Her teammate … [Read more...] about Colorado Classic organizers remain positive but won’t guarantee return of cycling race