Vail time trial returns for Colorado Classic

The legendary Vail time trial that dates back to the Red Zinger Classic in the 1970s - and which saw the likes of Greg Lemond, Andy Hampsten and Bernard Hinault compete on the route to the top of Vail Pass during the Coors Classic in the '80s - will return for the 2018 Colorado Classic, organisers announced today. 

The 21.1km individual time trial will follow a stage 1 circuit race around Vail Village, according to today's announcement.

"Professional bike racing is in the DNA of Vail," said David Koff, CEO of RPM Events Group, the organisation that puts on the race. 

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Professional bike racing last visited Vail for the USA Pro Challenge in 2014, when Tejay van Garderen won the stage 6 race against the clock on his way to winning the overall for the second consecutive year. Van Garderen also won the Vail time trial stage in the 2013 USA Pro Challenge.

Spectators greeted the Vail time trial stage with abandon both years, dressing up for the day and greeting the passing riders with a bubble machine, sound system and dance party.

The time trial route starts in Vail Village and quickly winds its way through the urban environment onto the slops of Vail Pass, which tops out at 3,171 metres after climbing more than 780 metres. In 2014, van Garderen (BMC Racing) beat Garmin's Tom Danielson by 53 seconds, covering the course in 24:26, more than half a minute faster than the previous year.

You can read more at Cyclingnews.com