STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (February 4, 2020) — Racers who have been coming to ride the spectacular paved roads at the Steamboat Springs Stage Race for the past 11 years will now have the new Steamboat Roubaix to test their skills in spring conditions over a mix of variable pavé and pavement surfaces.
Steamboat Roubaix “Hell of the High Rockies” will kick off from Steamboat Springs in the early hours of Sunday May 31st with staggered start waves for 21 categories split by gender and ability level, riding a 36, 53, or 70 mile course. USA Cycling category divisions allow participants to start and race alongside riders of the same gender and ability level in a good ol’ fashioned peloton, with group options for everyone including Juniors, Pro Men & Women, and Masters (40+) groups.
“Steamboat Roubaix is perfect for riders who want an exciting race experience set against stunning and leg crushing terrain with fair racing rules and ability groupings,” says Race Director Corey Piscopo, who has been behind the Steamboat Springs Stage Race for the past 11 years along with running local race team Steamboat Velo. “Steamboat Roubaix isn’t ‘ultra’ or a mass start Gran Fondo; instead it follows a traditional and sanctioned format of Pro-Am road racing, which is a blast to participate in.”
The course terrain, potential for gnarly spring weather, and opportunity for team tactics, are what make Steamboat Roubaix unique. Paying homage to Paris-Roubaix, riders will see between 3 and 5 dirt “sectors” depending on their course length, and conditions could range from smooth and fast to wet slop. Roubaix will surely test all of the skills that make a good bike racer — speed, handling, power, tactics, teamwork, equipment, and grit. Riders will have to monitor updates on the dirt conditions in the weeks ahead of the event and make the call on race day which equipment to run ensuring speed, traction, and sufficient durability.
Registration for the event is now open at a bargain price of $65 for all competitive groups as well as a $55 option to ride the course at your own speed just for fun. Racers on course will have the support of USA Cycling Moto referees, neutral support, and medical services. Full event details and registration are viewable at www.bikesteamboat.com
The Steamboat Roubaix is promoted by local cycling club Steamboat Velo and will again be donating a portion of proceeds from the event to local nonprofits including Lift-up Food Bank, Routt County Humane Society, and Bicycle Colorado in addition to supporting local race program Steamboat Velo.
