Sportive

Mavic Haute Route Rockies open for entries ahead of 2017 multi-stage sportive in Colorado

Full route to cover 550 miles - including dirt and gravel roads - and include 52,000ft of climbing

Entries are now open for the first edition of the Mavic Haute Route Rockies – a multi-day, seven-stage sportive which will take place in Colorado in June 2017.

The Rockies event is the latest in the Haute Route series – dubbed ‘the highest and toughest cyclo-sportives in the world’ – which also includes rides in the Pyrenees, Alps and Dolomites.

Organisers say the Mavic Haute Route Rockies will take in some of Colorado’s most dramatic terrain, with the route set to start in Boulder and end in Colorado Springs.

The Haute Route Rockies is set to include approximately 52,500ft of climbing over the course of the 550-mile route (Pic: Col Collective)

The full course will be announced in July but is said feature more than 52,500ft (16,000m) of climbing over seven timed and ranked stages, covering 550 miles (875km) in total. Up to 15 per cent of the route will be on Colorado’s huge network of dirt or gravel roads.

The Rockies event will be open to 600 riders and is expected to sell out. Organisers say the event will offer the “ultimate ride-like-a-pro experience” and support will include a convoy of safety vehicles and mechanical support, stage timing and ranking, feed stations, and an exclusive jersey, arm warmers and bib shorts from event sponsor Mavic.

Off the bike, riders can expect daily massages, hot food at the stage finish, daily stage briefings and transfer of luggage to accommodation between stages.

“The proposed course for the Mavic Haute Route Rockies carves through the heartland of American cycling and will feature an unforgettable combination of jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking climbs,” said François Vergnol of organiser OC Sport.

Fifteen per cent of the course will be on dirt or gravel roads (Pic: Christophe Margot)

“This is a unique opportunity for committed amateur cyclists to set themselves a defining challenge, and experience what it means to ride like a professional on some of most incredible cycling terrain in the world.”

Entry costs $2,400 but is reduced to $2,200 for a limited time. Head to the Haute Route Rockies website for more information and to enter.