Pikes Peak Region Trail Finder

Hoping to watch some of the best cyclists in the world zoom down Swan Mountain Road or jockey for the lead in an all-out sprint finish in downtown Breckenridge?

Pick your spot and be in it - early - for Saturday's USA Pro Cycling Challenge Stage 5 race from Steamboat Springs to Breck.

Organizers and local law enforcement say it'll be tough to get anywhere south of Interstate 70 by as early as 1 p.m., even though finishers aren't expected in Breckenridge before 4 p.m.

That's because long before riders appear on any stretch of road, the route will be blocked for State Patrol, local law enforcement, emergency teams, race officials and riders' support teams. (Photo:  That's a small fraction of the support vehicles on Cottonwood Pass on Wednesday. Dena Rosenberry, The Gazette)

Fittingly, the best way to get around the region will be by bike.  (The first 1,000 or so people parking in the satellite lots around Airport Road get a free Stage 5 race cowbell!)  Read more about parking, shuttles and bike lots.

The cyclists will race 105.8 miles, climbing 8,327 feet.  There will be sprints in Kremmling and Dillon, and King of the Mountain climbs on Rabbit Ears Pass and Swan Mountain.

Breck's Main Street will be closed to vehicles between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m.: There will be live programs, race coverage and festivities downtown throughout the day, and the race finishes here. Big Head Todd and the Monsters will play a free show after the race at the Riverwalk Center (doors open at 5, show at 5:30).

Highway 9 will be closed from the high school to downtown between 2 and 4 p.m.

The Colorado Department of Transportation will close Highway 9 northbound at Ute Pass Road at 1 p.m. Rolling closures and delays will be enforced on Highway 9 in Silverthorne and U.S. 6 in Dillon. The Silverthorne/Dilon exit off Interstate 70 will be closed from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Swan Mountain Road will close to traffic at 11 a.m., but you can walk or bike the road until just before the racers arrive, mid-afternoon.  No parking will be permitted on the roadway. The road likely will remain closed until 5 p.m.

Dillon Dam Road will be open all day, but it's only temporary: It closes again Sunday for construction.

Race organizers say it may be possible to get from Swan Mountain Road to the finish line in time to see the podium presentation - but you shouldn't count on it.

ROAD CLOSURES
Swan Mountain Road:  11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Main Street, Breckenridge:  5 a.m.-7 p.m.
US 40/Rabbit Ears Pass:  10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Highway 9 at Ute Pass Rd.: 1-3:30 p.m.
Interstate 70 off-ramps at Silverthorne/Dillon:  2-3:30 p.m.
Highway 9, Summit High School to Breckenridge:  2-4 p.m.

WHERE TO WATCH
Steamboat Springs; race start (11:15 a.m.)
Kremmling: sprint
Rabbit Ears Pass: King of the Mountain
Swan Mountain Road: King of the Mountain
Breckenridge: race finish

See photos, videos and stories from each stage of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge at OutThereColorado.com.

Share your photos, videos and stories, too. Simply become a member (it's free) and upload your work in a few simple steps!

Here's a photo from the Prologue in Colorado Springs by OutThere member Ultra Rob:

Here are some more of Ultra Rob's photos of the Prologue.