The stage 5 Vail individual time trial is a repeat from the USA Pro Challenge inaugural year. The majority of the course is uphill, heading east from Vail and up Vail Pass. This is a great opportunity to see each and every rider and they put in their best efforts to concur a challenging ascent. The unique aspect to this course is the secluded finish line. There is no car parking nearby. Those who wish to celebrate at the finish will have to earn their spot by biking or hiking from Vail Village below, or from the Vail Pass parking area above. The previous stage hear had a large turnout, so arrive at least 2 hours before start time to travel and secure your place.
Be sure to consult the on-line Spectator Guide and the official Stage 5 Map.
Quick Facts:
Start Time: 1:05 PM
Approx End time: Between 3 – 4PM
Start Line – Central Vail Village, off Vail Road
Finish Line – Frontage road up Vail Pass, east of Vail
Total elevation gain: 1,694 Feet
Total miles: 10
Suggested View Points:
Central Vail Village – The opportunity to see each and every racer at the start house is here. You can observer their warm up, preparation and initial start
In Vail Village – Before heading up Vail Pass, the course meanders easterly through the side streets of Vail Village. Should be plenty of view locations.
East Vail – there is a 90 degree corner in East Vail as the course routes under the I-70 overpass and up connects with the north frontage road
Vail Pass frontage road – this is where the most crowds will gather. The road will be open only for bike and pedestrian traffic prior to the race start. It’s recommended to get into position an hour before the race begins. Either park in the Vail Village garage, or up in the parking lot on Vail Pass. Note from the Village parking lot, it’s about 8 – 9 miles uphill to the finish line. From Vail Pass it approx. 4 – 5 miles to the finish line.
Road Closures:
Frontage Road east of Vail Village will be closed to vehicles.
I-70 will be open during the entire race. West bound from Vail Pass may have a one lane closure for race vehicles.
See the Colorado Dept of Transportation USA Pro Challenge web site for complete road closure information.
Photos by Peter Wayne
