Want to join 'reconnaissance ride' with Colorado Classic racers? Only $198
A graphic for the four-stage Colorado Classic
bicycle race. The event will have Stage 1 in Colorado Springs Thursday, Aug. 10.
Lasting about eight hours, it will chiefly consist of eight 15-mile laps (two for
women and six for men) that take in downtown and Westside streets.
Courtesy of Colorado Classic
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Event details can be found in a Westside Pioneer article at this link.
For cycling enthusiasts who want to get close to the racers, there are a couple of possibilities (both involving a financial outlay). On Tuesday, Aug. 8, they can join a 16-mile “reconnaissance ride” with one of the teams (Trek-Segafredo), get a tour of a local bike equipment factory and then attend a party. Cost: $198.
On Wednesday, Aug. 9, a reception at the Penrose Heritage Museum will include "some of the top male and female riders in the world." Cost: $250 (includes dinner).
A "great viewing spot for the race" is being offered to the public by Gateway Presbyterian Church, 731 Castle Road, according to a press release. Church members are making available their parking lot near the turn at Fontmore Road and 30th Street, with water bottles also provided, the release adds.
Because of the closed streets, access will likely need to be via King Street.
Access for emergency vehicles has not been addressed in advance race information , even though Colorado Avenue will be closed for the race from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - including in front of Fire Station 5 at 2830 W. Colorado Ave.
But a fire official said that won't be a problem, that in fact the station's assets will be deployed in the Garden of the Gods - partly in case of excitable racing fans climbing unsafely - while other stations will be covering 5's area.
No race festivities are scheduled in Old Colorado City, but event promoters with Colorado Springs Sports Corp have big plans for the downtown. According to a press release, there will be an “all-day festival, community fun run, post-race concert and activities for the whole family.” The concert will also have a beer garden and last till 10:30 p.m., the Sports Corp website adds.
Television coverage is scheduled by the NBC Sports Network from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Westside Pioneer/press releases
(Posted 8/2/17;
Transportation:
General)
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