COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (May 26, 2021) — USA Cycling is excited to announce that the 2021 Masters Road National Championships will head to Albuquerque, N.M. on August 5-8, 2021. Riders ages 35 and older will gather in the high desert to compete in the Time Trial, Road Race, and Criterium.
“We have put ourselves on the map as a premier destination for large-scale sporting events,” said City of Albuquerque Mayor, Tim Keller. “We are grateful to host the USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships not just this summer, but next summer, too!”
On Thursday, August 5, the racing kicks off with the Time Trial on Atrisco Vista Blvd. The venue is close to the historic Petroglyph National Monument. Men 65+ and women 55+ will compete on a 20-kilometer course. Men 35-64 and women 35-54 will compete on an extended version of the course, going 40-kilometer.
“Bernalillo County is thrilled to be a part of this esteemed event that will bring visitors and activity back to the metro area,” said Bernalillo County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Director Debbie Jo Almager. “Not only will these athletes have the opportunity to experience the county’s state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Vista Grande Community Center, but the beauty of our natural resources and welcoming nature of our community as well.”
Starting at the Vista Grande Community Center in Bernalillo County just east of Albuquerque, the road race will take center stage on Friday and Saturday, with competitors tackling a challenging course with Heart Break Hill as the defining feature.
“We are honored to be welcoming back prestigious events such as the 2021 USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships to our city as well as the energy and vibrancy this event will bring to our community,” said President & CEO of Visit Albuquerque Tania Armenta. “Albuquerque is excited to welcome these world-class athletes – and their friends and families – to our city and looks forward to cheering them on this August.”
The four-day event concludes on Sunday, August 8, with the sprinters’ race, the criterium. The race will happen at the scenic Balloon Fiesta Park, home of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Racers will tackle a fast, broad, five-corner course that will test all riders.
“We are excited to bring a National Championship to the City of Albuquerque,” said Tara McCarthy, Director of National Events. “Not only will racers face challenging courses, but families will also be able to take advantage of one of the most culturally diverse cities in America through Albuquerque’s architecture, artwork, cultural centers, and cuisine. We’re thrilled to work with the City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, and Visit ABQ to provide a wonderful experience for our membership.”
USA Cycling can’t wait to get the 2021 season rolling after a year of canceled events, and will be bringing a total of 16 National Championships to the United States. A full list of this year’s National Championship events can be found on USA Cycling’s website.
