At today’s press conference kicking off the second annual Colorado Classic and Velorama, Governor Hickenlooper spoke about how he couldn’t imagine a better place than Colorado to host a pro bike race and a music festival with lots of craft beer flowing. “Colorado after all, pretty much leads the country in per capita cyclists, music venues and breweries”, he said. Video Here
But what exactly is the Colorado Classic and Velorama? They are two events that come together under the vision and direction of RPM Events Group LLC, led by Ken Gart, Colorado’s Bike Czar and part of the renown Gart family who owns interests in sporting good retailers, properties and even a ski resort.
photo by Ryan Muncy
The second annual Colorado Classic (August 16-19, 2018) is a four-stage men and women’s pro bicycle road race in Vail and Denver. The men’s race is sanctioned by Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and designated as a 2.HC race, the highest category outside of World Tour races. Both the men’s and women’s races are part of USA Cycling’s Pro Road Tour, which showcases the premier domestic road events in the United States.
Stage 1 Vail (August 16): Circuit race through the town of Vail
Stage 2 – Vail (August 17): Time trial up Vail Pass
Stage 3 – Denver (August 18): Out-and-back starting in Velorama Festival in RiNo then to Lookout Mountain, Golden and back to RiNo for finish
Stage 4 – Denver (August 19): Downtown city circuit with start/finish and criterium in Velorama
This race features a Colorado based teams, 303Project (men) and women’s teams; Polmeras, Amy D. Foundation, Team Affinity, Stages, ALP Cycles Racing.
Many Coloradans are on various teams like Taylor Phinney, Greg Daniel, Taylor Sheldon Danny Pate, Abigail Mickey, Jennifer Valente, Katie Compton, Whitney Alison to name a few. Here is a link to Colorado Classic website for more detailed information.
The Velorama Festival, which is a combination of music and cycling events for amateurs will take place in Denver starting Friday night and going through Sunday night. There will be crit races for all categories of racers, a ride with Mayor, Race and RTD train, the Rhythm Rumble accompanied by a fantastic line up of various bands. Here is a link to the website for more information.
To see a combined list of all events included in the Colorado Classic and Velorama, go our dedicated Colorado Classic page.
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