USA Pro Cycling Challenge Stage 3: Gunnison to Aspen Racing & Festivities

Stage 3: Gunnison to Aspen – Wednesday, Aug. 22

Last year the U.S. stage racing teams saw one of its toughest days with the ride from Gunnison to Aspen and in 2012 the “Queen Stage” will again feature two of the highest climbs in professional racing.

Gunnison

10:10am Race Start Downtown Gunnison

It’s a two day party for Gunnison with events the day before and the race day start. The stage starts in downtown Gunnison with a short neutral section leading out of town; however, as soon as the racing begins, so do the challenges.

Gunnison Queen’s Court Start Festival – Come early to get up close and personal with riders and their team set-up. Stay and enjoy the day as we watch them all the way to the Aspen finish. IOOF Park.

• 5:00 a.m. Live TV coverage from Denver’s Channel 9/KUSA begins. Make your “I Love Gregg Moss/Susie Wargin” sign and come wave “Hi Mom”. The Today Show has nothin’ on Gunnison. IOOF Park.
• 8:00 a.m. Festival and Kids Zone opens (Kids Zone open until 1:00 p.m.)
• 9:00 a.m. Autograph Alley opens
• 10:00 a.m. QUEEN STAGE START
• 10:15 a.m. Bike Parade: All racers will parade from IOOF Park to the Start line. Register at the Kids Zone Bike Booth on Tuesday or before the Queen Stage start.
  • Strider Bike Race, 0-4 years
  • Pedal Bike Race, 3-6 years
  • Kids Funky Bike Race, 7+ years
  • Adult Strider Bike Race

Almont

Just after the first right turn the riders face the first Sprint Line of the day in the small community of Almont. This will most likely be the last time the true sprinters will play a part in this stage, as the race quickly turns uphill and heads toward the first King of the Mountain (KOM) of the day near Taylor Park Reservoir.

Buena Vista

A short, flat section on the north side of the reservoir will be the last pavement the field will see for almost 14 miles, as the dirt climb that follows will take the race to 12,126 ft. and the highest point of the week at Cottonwood Pass. A beautiful, twisting descent will take the peloton down into the town of Buena Vista and the second sprint line of the day before heading north on US 24 to Twin Lakes.

The left turn toward Twin Lakes will show the field what is to come as they see the massive ridge in front of them. Although the climb up Independence Pass is paved and not quite as high as Cottonwood, it is sure to produce fireworks again this year. Lined with fans in 2011, the climb to 12,095 ft. caused several gaps in the field that led to an exciting finish in Aspen, which will no doubt be duplicated in 2012.

Aspen

Expected Time of Arrival 3:50pm

Aspen Finish Festival-

• 8:30am       Street Painting Party with eco chalk to welcome the riders (Main St. / Galena)
• 11am           Citizen Criterium Race (Main St. / Galena) – SIGN UP!
• 11am-6pm   Race Festival in Paepcke Park and surrounding streets.
• 11:45am      Kids Race – sprint down (Main St. / Galena) – SIGN UP!
• 12pm           Citizen Criterium and Kids Awards – on Awards Stage at Paepcke Park
• 12:30pm      Women’s Race warm up
• 1pm-2pm     Blue Ribbon Alpine Challenge Women’s Race
• 2pm             Aspen City Council vs Pitkin County Commissioners Race (Main St.)
• 2:15pm        Stunt Bike Show in front of Paepcke Park
• 3:30pm-4:30pm   USA Pro Challenge Finish & awards ceremony (Main St. between South Aspen and Garmish)
• 4:30pm – 6pm  The fun continues at the Race Festival in Paepcke Park
• 6:30pm         FREE concert in Wagner Park w. 70’s rock cover band ANTHEM

~MTN Town Magazine

PHOTO CREDITS: USAPCC

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