Aspen Peak - Niche Media - Aspen living at its peak
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But even for a world-class event like the USA Pro Challenge, Aspenites are not content to stand on the sideline. That's why compa- nies such as Carmichael Training Systems (CTS) and Western Spirit Cycling Adventures (WSCA) are offering amateurs a chance to expe- rience the race firsthand, while taking in some spectacular scenery. CTS bills its "USA Pro Challenge Race Experience" as "seven of the most challenging days you'll ever spend on your bike," offering the opportunity to "eat, sleep, ride, and live like a pro cyclist." Participants will work together as a team, riding each stage and pushing to stay ahead of the pro peloton, or main group of riders. CTS founder Chris Carmichael will ride with the amateurs, as they stay in team hotels and dine alongside racers. Riders must apply to take part in the chal- lenge, done to ensure that each rider is equal to the physical demands; once you're accepted, the experience will set you back a cool $10,500. "With the altitude and the length of the climbs in Colorado, this promises to be the hardest race experience to date," says Carmichael, a former pro cyclist and erstwhile coach of cycling legend Lance Armstrong. "It's an insid- er's view of what it's like to live and work as a professional cyclist." Moab-based Western Spirit Cycling Adventures, named one of adventure travel companies the best in the "With the altitude and the length of the climbs in Colorado, this promises to be the hardest race experience to date. " world by National Geographic Adventure, – CHRIS CARMICHAEL will offer a race experience for the rest High times: The peloton climbs Cottonwood Pass to over 12,100 feet during stage two of the 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge. Aspen/snowmAss women's pro ChAllenge Coinciding with the men's USA Pro Cycling Challenge in August, the Aspen/Snowmass Women's Pro Challenge is expanding from a three- to four-stage event for 80 elite or professional women racers, double the number of participants in last year's event. Former national time-trial champion and Aspen resident Jessica Phillips created the event in an attempt to introduce men's cycling fans to women's racing. The race is organized by Team Ajax, a nonprofit that sponsors local racers. The Challenge comprises a time trial; a 35-mile circuit race around Snowmass; a criterium in downtown Aspen, in front of fans lined up to see the men's finish (to help broaden exposure for women cyclists); and an as-yet-undetermined final stage. Now part of USA Cycling's National Racing Calendar, the race is expecting to present $25,000 to the winner. Proceeds will be used to support young women's athletic programs in the Aspen/Snowmass area. aspenwomensprorace.com of us. For a $3,800 fee, the eight-day, fully supported trip follows the general race route, but because of road closures and time constraints (like not wanting to wake up at 5 am each day and race the peloton), the rides won't precisely mimic every stage. Instead, the group will watch some starts and finishes, and catch some stages mid-route. On Day 4, for instance, WSCA will shuttle from Crested Butte to the race start in Gunnison, then join the race route in Buena Vista before peddling up Independence Pass to view the Queen Stage from the switchbacks. Following the peloton, the group will descend to Aspen for a night on the town. The next day, participants will follow the racers back over Independence Pass, from Aspen to Leadville, but then shuttle to Breckenridge, providing a race-day experience that is challenging but not as grueling. "We have connections in all the mountain towns and will benefit by not just knowing the routes, but also by knowing where the attacks will happen and where to position ourselves in that finishing mile," WSCA co-owner Mark Sevenoff says. Rides will vary from 50 to 70 miles per day, and guides can create custom routes depending on ability levels. In Crested Butte, participants will have VIP tent access to watch the hilltop finish. There is a fee for access to the hospitality tent at each start and finish area, with flatscreen TVs and gourmet cuisine for guests. The Start Line VIP Hospitality area is in close proximity to "Autograph Alley" and offers a look at the official sign-in process. A limited number of private suites are also available in select finish cities, providing a place to entertain and a view of the finish line. AP aspenpeak-magazine.com 149