The Boulder Roubaix Road Race is one of the most popular road races in the West. Recognized as one of the “All Time Best Spring Classic Races in North America”
BOULDER, Colorado (January 31, 2024) — Call it a Road Race, a Gravel Race or a Mixed-Surface Race. Whatever you want to call it, it’s one of a kind. And it’s one of the original Paris-Roubaix tribute races anywhere. It’s the highlight of the Colorado bicycle racing season and it’s back in 2024. It’s called the Boulder Roubaix.
Over one thousand athletes from 15 states and multiple nations will converge Saturday, April 6 for the Boulder Roubaix Road Race powered by Wholesome, Colorado’s oldest and most popular one-day bike race. The Boulder Roubaix features hilly gravel roads and fast smooth pavement on a 18.7-mile circuit just north of the cycling mecca Boulder Colorado. And all with postcard views of the Colorado Foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
The Boulder Roubaix is a local tribute to the famed European classic Paris Roubaix, which is held the day following and was first held in 1896. The first Boulder Roubaix took place in 1992 and has since become one of the most well-attended amateur road races in the United States.
The Gran Fondo Guide recently recognized the Boulder Roubaix as one of the “All Time Best Spring Classic Races in North America.” Why, because it’s loved by competitors of all varieties from the uber-competitive road racers to weekend warriors, and everybody in between. And while the Boulder Roubaix doesn’t claim to be a gravel race, you’d be surprised by the number of gravel specialists who are targeting the April 6 race as part of their season prep.
Boulder Roubaix is held every other year and offers race categories ranging from future champions 9- & 10-year-old juniors to Pro & Elite level racers as well as national and international teams.
Race founder and director Chris Grealish stated, “Veteran pros and amateurs alike love Boulder Roubaix. Up-and-coming racers know that a win can get them noticed by pro teams. And with the crazy growth in Gravel Racing in the USA I’m hearing from many top-level gravel pros who plan to use Boulder Roubaix as a tune-up for their season.”
The 2024 course is a challenging 18.7-mile circuit with 60% dirt roads and the remainder paved roads. The pro men will complete five laps of almost 96 miles and the pro women will do three laps of about 56 miles. Beginners and first timers races start at 8:00 am with other categories throughout the day. For the full schedule see boulderroubaix.com.
For those who want to make a full weekend of their Boulder Roubaix experience, the University of Colorado cycling team will be hosting a criterium on Sunday in Boulder. A perfect way to shake out those tired legs. Complete details about the CU Criterium will be on their webpage https://www.colorado.edu/sportsclub/cycling/
