The USA Pro Cycling Challenge has become known as "America's Race" and is now one of the most important and prominent cycling races in the country. The race takes place over multiple days and covers a span of more than 500 miles and we are lucky enough to host it right here in Colorado. This years race will start in Steamboat Springs on Monday, August 17th and ultimately finish in Denver on Sunday, August 23rd. In between Steamboat Springs and Denver, the racers will travel through a host of towns including Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Loveland, Fort Collins, Golden and more.
So what does this mean for us in Summit County and those who will be traveling in the area during this time? Besides for the fact that we will be witnessing history right outside of our front doors, there will be thousands of people traveling here to do the same. And when thousands of people travel to specific areas, we get congested highways and roads.
The race will be in and out of Summit County all of next week. Not only will I-70 be affected but the County itself will see a large impact. Almost all state highways surrounding I-70 will have delays and closures scheduled throughout next week as well. Tuesday, August 18th will be the most heavily impacted day in this area. From about 2:30 - 3:30 pm, I-70 ramps at Dillon/Silverthorne in both directions will be closed. From 1:30 - 6 pm, Loveland Pass will be closed, but busses will be available to shuttle spectators up to Arapahoe Basin.
For more detailed information about road closures and the race itself please visit these two websites: GO I-70 USA Pro Cycling Challenge
On Sunday August, 23rd the race returns to its roots, finishing off in Denver. The race will start in Golden that morning and is planned to finish at Denver's Civic Center Park approximately 5 hours later. If you are in the Denver region on this day, plan for heavier traffic than normal. The event will be celebrated with food, drinks, vendors and much more. If you are in the area on this day I highly recommend being a part of this experience. Book discounted lodging for the event in nearby Keystone with SummitCove Lodging and enjoy 15% off stays when you use the promo code 'ProCycle15'.
Written By: Patrick Foley