Stage 3 -

Town Mountain is a classic Asheville climb local pros and amateurs have tested themselves on for decades. Retired local pro and 2x US Pro National Champion, Matthew Busche recommends thinking about it in three sections.

The first 1.5 miles of the climb is the steepest section as you climb the west side of a ridge, with pitches reaching 10-12%. The second section continues climbing, but much more gradually at 3-5%, for another 1.5 miles along the spine of the ridge. The final 2-mile section again features steep grades, but in a series of short pitches separated by flatter sections and even a very short downhill. World Tour pro cyclist Brent Bookwalter has the KOM on the climb at 18:50, and Team TIBCO-Silicon Valley Bank pro Kate Buss owns the QOM at 22:25.

The Closing Ceremony for Haute Route Asheville will be held immediately following the conclusion of Stage 3.