Written by: Julie Larson
Posted: Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Pro cycling races return to the Vail Valley
August 22-24 for the inaugural Colorado Stage International Cycle Classic.
After a 20-year hiatus from Vail’s vertical climbs and
altitude, pro teams from around the world will hit the pavement to compete in
three races: road, circuit and time trial. The Classic begins with a 130-mile
road race from Breckenridge, through Alma and Buena Vista on Colorado 285, then
up Highway 24, passing through Leadville and Minturn to the Beaver Creek
Village finish line.
The circuit race on August 23 will be comprised of eight
and a half laps around an 8.5-mile loop near Vail Village. Racers will cross
the finish line near the Lionshead parking structure.
The final time trial race
on Sunday will be reminiscent of the Coors Classic, as racers ride from Vail
Village to the East Vail cul-de-sac. The time trial course is a 10-mile route
with 1,500 feet of elevation gain.
The Colorado Stage International Cycle
Classic festivities will also include a sport and health expo, music and
activities for outdoor aficionados.
Recreational riders will be able to get into the spirit of the Classic
with a citizen’s ride on Sunday, August 24. Visit Coloradostagebike.com for more
details.
In the spirit of this election year, as candidates local and national are out campaigning and the Democratic National Convention kicks off in Denver end of this month, we decided to check in with busy politicians around our active state to hear how they stay fit and healthy. 
