Men’s stages planned Aug. 10-13 in Colorado Springs, Breckenridge and Denver

DENVER —  The return of men’s pro cycling to Colorado will feature more than 14 of the sport’s top international and domestic pro teams, officials with the Colorado Classic announced today.

Additional squads will be added in coming weeks to bring the field to between 16 and 18 teams, organizers said.

“‘We are excited to have such a competitive field — including four World Tour teams — for the inaugural Colorado Classic,” said David Koff, CEO of RPM Events Group, the organization formed to put on the race. “With increased demands on teams dictated by a crowded international calendar, we are extremely grateful to the committed teams. The quality of the field once again validates Colorado as a world-class cycling destination.”

The August 10-13 Colorado Classic will feature some of the sport’s top squads. To date, invitations have been accepted by:

UCI World Teams
BMC Racing Team USA
Cannondale Drapac Professional Cycling Team USA
Trek-Segafredo USA
UAE Team Emirates UAE

UCI Professional Continental Teams
Caja Rural-Seguros RGA ESP
Israel Cycling Academy ISR
Nippo-Vini Fantini ITA
Team Novo Nordisk USA
UnitedHealthcare Professional Cycling Team USA

UCI Continental Teams
Axeon Hagens Berman USA
Elevate – KHS  USA
Holowesko/Citadel Racing p/b Hincapie Sportswear USA
Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis USA
Rally Cycling USA

The Colorado Classic is sanctioned by Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and designated as a 2.HC race, which is the highest category outside of World Tour races.

The Colorado Classic is also part of the USA Cycling Pro Road Tour, which showcases the premier domestic road events in the United States.

The men’s race will cover roughly 300 miles over 4 stages:

Stage 1:  Colorado Springs (Thursday, August 10)
Stage 2:  Breckenridge (Friday, August 11)
Stage 3:  Denver / Peak to Peak Hwy out-and-back: (Saturday, August 12)
Stage 4:  Denver city circuit (Sunday, August 13) 

“Drawing a high-caliber field to Colorado is helped by the state’s deep history with bike racing, the quality of courses and the passion of cycling fans,” said Race Director Jim Birrell. “The Colorado Classic is building on that to create a race that will be memorable for spectators and teams alike.”

Women’s stages of the Colorado Classic will be held Aug. 10-11 in Colorado Springs and Breckenridge, respectively. Teams for that event were announcedlast month. (Separate women’s criterium races featuring pro, amateur and collegiate riders will be held Aug. 11 and 12  in Denver).

The race will be televised on NBCSN and live streamed on NBC Sports Gold — NBC Sports Digital’s live streaming direct-to-consumer subscription app. Paul Sherwen will call the action on NBCSN and NBC Sports Gold, joined by analyst Christian Vande Velde and reporter Bob Roll.

Details on course routes, additional teams and men’s and women’s riders will be provided later this spring.

For additional information, visit: www.ColoradoClassic.com