With some of the world’s top cyclists competing against one another through 7 grueling stages, the USA Pro Challenge has become one of the biggest and most important cycling events in the United States. Since it’s inaugural year back in 2011, the race has made it’s way through Breckenridge and has quickly become one of the marquee events of the summer for our town. Much like skiing and snowboarding in the winter, the excitement and passion around the summer is unmatched. As a whole, Breckenridge just loves the outdoors and any activities that involve being outdoors, but biking (all forms) sits atop the Summer’s list.
Breckenridge will play host to stage 4 & 5 of this years race, with the men’s and for the first time ever, women’s time trials taking place August 21st & 22nd. Following each stage, town will host a number of events, concerts, and activities for everyone to enjoy. Here is a list of events and helpful tips to help you plan your trip accordingly:
Schedule of Events
Thursday August 20th, 2015
• All day: Mobile Scavenger Hunt and Kid Zone on Main Street
• All day: Austin Bike Zoo, ARTCRANK and more bicycle-themed fun in the Breckenridge Arts District
• Noon-6pm: Maxxis Stunt Show in the Festival Village
• 11:00-11:45am: Yoga on the Riverwalk Center lawn
• Noon-12:30pm: Strider Cup on Main Street
• 12:30-1pm: Wish for Wheels parade
• 1-2pm: Street Sprints on Main Street
• 1:00 – 1:30pm: BOEC Brain Trauma Parade
• 12:30-2pm: Bluegrass by Trout Steak Revival in the Festival Village
• 2-3pm: Music by Dave and Brad in the Festival Village
• 3-4pm: Watch the finish in town or on the big screen at the Riverwalk Center lawn
• 4-4:30pm: USA Pro Challenge awards ceremony
• 4:40pm: Tour de Breck bike decorating
• 5:30-7pm: Bluegrass by Trout Steak Revival in the Festival Village
• 7pm: Tour de Breck bike costume parade through town
• 7:30pm: Concert by The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Friday August 21st, 2015
• All Day: Maxxis Stunt show on the Riverwalk Center lawn
• All Day: Kid Zone south end of the festival
• All day: Austin Bike Zoo, ARTCRANK and more bicycle-themed fun in the Breckenridge Arts District
• 10am: Racing begins
• 11-11:45am: Yoga on the Riverwalk Center lawn
• 10:30-noon: Brews and Blues (and Bloody Marys!) in the Festival Village beer garden
• Noon-1pm: USA Pro Challenge women’s awards
• 1-2pm: Pond Crossing at the Dredge pond
• 2-4:30pm: Live feed of the final time trial competitors on the big screen at the Riverwalk Center lawn
• 4pm: USA Pro Challenge men’s awards
• 7:30pm: Free concert with Los Lobos at the Riverwalk Center
If you are extending your trip throughout the weekend, make sure to check out the International Festival of Arts through Sunday, August 23rd.
Best Spots For Viewing The USA Pro Challenge
Unlike many of sports, most races can be difficult to view as a live spectator due to the course component of these events. With that said, there are some awesome places throughout Breck to catch both the stage 4 finish and the stage 5 time trials.
Stage 4 finish, Thursday August 20th
- Anywhere along Park Ave/Hwy 9 is a good area to catch riders as they enter Breck.
- Moonstone Road. This is the steep, uphill portion of the race before riders descend down Boreas Pass rd to the finish.
- Boreas Pass Road. Riders will be flying down this portion of the race in a dash for the finish line.
- South Main Street. The finish line is one the most popular place to catch the action.
- Riverwalk center. Catch the race on the big screen.
Stage 5 Time Trials, Friday August 31st
- Moonshine Road, from Highpoint Dr. to Boreas Pass Road. This stiff portion of the race is excellent to catch the riders for more than just a glimpse as they push up the steep grade.
- Boreas Pass Road. Similar to stage 4, this downhill area of the course is near the finish, making for some exciting moments!
- Main Street. Catch the start of the race then walk down to catch the finish as well.
For a full race course description please visit the USA Pro Challenge’s website.
Helpful Travel Tips
It will be fairly busy this time of the year, especially along the I-70 corridor and within town, but with a few local tips and insights it should help ease the headache travel can cause.
- Speaking of headaches, make sure before arriving to Breckenridge you drink plenty of water and Tylenol as needed. We are situated at 9,600 feet remember.
- Plan ahead! Have reservations made and transportation arranged (if flying). To often I see guest plan their trip on the go when visiting Breckenridge and often get left hanging. The best units located in the best areas go quickly, especially during big events such as the US Pro Challenge.
- Check traffic reports. The I-70 corridor is notorious for construction, delays, and back-ups. I would suggest arriving to town the day prior. The race will cause travel implications throughout Breckenridge too, make sure to check the road closures happening throughout town.
- Find a rental unit close enough to town that’ll allow you to park your car and not have to worry about it until you leave. Another alternate if just visiting for the day, park in one of the day parking lots and walk from there. You will thank me later.
- Last but not least…bring your smile. Our town is infectious when it comes to being happy, I have no question you’ll leave with a smile but it’ll make your trip that much more enjoyable for everyone if you arrive with one as well!