12/03/2018

Mavic Haute Route Rockies 2018 Course Announced

The route for the second edition of the Mavic Haute Route Rockies was announced today. Kicking off in the official start city of Boulder, Colo. on June 23, 2018, the seven-day event spans 527.8 miles with over 50,000 feet of climbing before ending in Colorado Springs, Olympic City USA on June 29. 



The Mavic Haute Route Rockies 2018 course includes an epic climb over 14,000 feet to the summit of Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain, one of the most famous summits in the United States and one of only two paved roads above 14,000 feet in the United States, during the final stage. Leaving from Woodland Park, the riders will use a private road not normally accessible to cyclists on the north slope of the mountain and will connect to the Pikes Peak Highway with 12 miles to go to the finish—the same place where the famous Pikes Peak Hill Climb starts.



Other highlights of the week will include the climb up Left Hand Canyon on stage one, Sugarloaf on stage two and the infamous Trough Road on stage three. After an uphill time trial in Avon on stage four riders will head over Battle Mountain on stage five before conquering Hoosier Pass as the fourth and final climb on stage 6.



“The second edition of Mavic Haute Route Rockies promises to be unforgettable, with breathtaking scenery and iconic climbs. As promised, we have eliminated all gravel sections and have kept only a few hard-packed dirt sections easily ridden on a road bike. These sections will showcase some of Colorado’s most memorable landmarks, enhancing the riders’ experience,” said Micah Rice, Head of Operations for Haute Route North America.



Staying true to the hallmarks of every Haute Route, the 2018 Mavic Haute Route Rockies provides amateur riders with the authentic pro experience on and off the bike. Athletes will experience the best roads in Colorado and are fully supported with premium services like the mechanical support from Mavic that is typically reserved for the pro peloton. 



“Building on the success of last year’s inaugural U.S. event, our Haute Route team has carefully planned the second edition of the Mavic Haute Route Rockies. The 2018 event truly has all the hallmarks of a great Haute Route.” added Haute Route North America Chairman Alain Lambert.

Accommodation packages are available for all Mavic Haute Route Rockies participants, including hotel selections located as close as possible to the start and finish area as well as early breakfast and daily transportation of travel bags

Stage Details

Saturday, June 23 – Stage 1: Boulder to Boulder
Distance: 69.9 miles
Stage one begins in Boulder, heading up to Left Hand Canyon and the iconic Peak to Peak highway before descending back down into Lyons along the foothills and finishing in Boulder.

Sunday, June 24 – Stage 2: Boulder to Winter Park
Distance: 89.3 miles
Stage two takes riders from Boulder to Winter Park, including nearly 90 miles of riding and over 12,000 feet of climbing. The day features iconic Colorado terrain well-known by the pro peloton, winding through Sugarloaf, Nederland, Idaho Springs, Empire and Berthoud Pass before the finale in Winter Park.

Monday, June 25 – Stage 3: Winter Park to Avon
Distance: 94.8 miles
Spanning 94.8 miles, stage 3 will be a decisive stage for the Mavic Haute Route Rockies. Taking off from Winter Park, the stage features a memorable ride on Trough Road, a 24.4-mile mountain road with amazing views and breathtaking hairpin turns, before ending in Avon.

Tuesday, June 26 – Stage 4: Avon Time Trial
Distance: 9.6 miles
Stage 4 is a ten-mile time trial in the mountain town of Avon. The course includes a climb to the top of Mountain Star Rd.

Wednesday, June 27 – Stage 5: Avon to Breckenridge
Distance: 94.1 miles
Stage 5 will feature nearly 95 miles of riding with almost 8500 feet of climbing as the riders head out of Avon, over Battle Mountain and up to Leadville, around beautiful Turquoise Lake and then back down into Breckenridge.

Thursday, June 28 – Stage 6: Breckenridge to Breckenridge
Distance: 113.4 miles
The longest single-day of riding during Mavic Haute Route Rockies 2018, stage 6 will start and finish in Breckenridge. The stage hits the toughest climbs in Colorado along 113 miles and over 11,000 feet of climbing. Riders will conquer Loveland Pass, Guanella Pass and finally descend Hoosier Pass back into Breckenridge to wrap up the day.

Friday, June 29 – Stage 7: Woodland Park to Colorado Springs
Distance: 56.7 miles
After a short transfer, stage 7 begins in Woodland Park. A secret route will take riders up onto Pikes Peak where they will climb over 14,000 feet to the summit, which is the highest elevation ever reached by Haute Route. Riders will then enjoy the decent back to Colorado Springs, picking their way through Manitou Springs and a gorgeous ride through the Garden of the Gods.

Head to the event page here to see maps and profiles for each stage.