Mt. Hood Cycling Classic
Dear NW Racers,
We are now less than 2 months away from one of the premier Pro/Am races in the country. Yes that's right time to start finalizing your plans for the 2011 Mt. Hood Cycling Classic presented by Breakaway Promotions! Due to the amazing generosity of our stage sponsors, Taco Del Mar, Hood River Inn, Shimano, Full Sail Brewing, and Indie Hops and the support of the Breakaway Promotions we are looking at another tremendous event this year. We have some exciting new stages as well as the return of a legend that helped define what this event is. Here is a look at this year's schedule.
Panorama Prologue presented by Taco del Mar (Pro 1-2 Men and Pro 1-2 Women Only)
Back to Panorama Point this fast 3 mile prologue will start in the community of Pine Grove and finish at the top of Panorama Point to beautiful views of Mt. Hood and the Gorge. With a mostly downhill run riders will be blistering the pace until the last 600 meter climb to the finish on the viewpoint. Bring a big gear and an even bigger set of lungs!
Stage #1 - Columbia Gorge Road Race presented by Shimano
This year's stage 1 takes portions of the Scenic Gorge Time Trial and the old Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic stage 4 routes to incorporate the best sprinters stage ever run at the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic. Only one major climb at 1600 feet and a long run to the finish most certainly give sprinters an opportunity to shine before the dread final stage 4. Note CAT 3-4 Women do not do the climb and Pro 1-2 Men must do it twice.
Stage #2 - Mt. Adams Time Trial presented by Best Western Hood River Inn
Located at in Trout Lake, Washington at the base of Mt. Adams this year's TT promises minimal winds and a super flat 11 mile course winds through the beautiful Trout Lake Valley farmlands. This is all about speed this year finding out who is the flat out fastest TT rider around.
Stage #3 - Downtown Hood River Criterium presented by Full Sail Brewing
Full Sail keeps the party rocking with this crazy criterium, only this year it is going to be Saturday night! Touted as one of the toughest criterium courses in the country this race is not for the faint of heart or weak of skill. Loud music screaming race fans and plenty of Full Sail on tap will make for a huge party!
Stage #4 - Three Summits Road Race presented by Indie Hops
Indie Hops has a passion for hops and cycling and it is their passion that has allowed us to bring one of the most iconic mountain stages in the country back into the spot light. That's right Three Summits is back! After a 5 year absence this epic stage is back to challenge and thrill competitors. Truly big mountain climbs, breathtaking scenery, and miles of one lane roads twisting throughout the Mt. Hood National Forest make this so unique you will not find anything else like it. The race will finish at Cooper Spur Ski Area were the party will continue until the last rider arrives with beer, BBQ, music and awards presentations. New courses for the CAT 4 Men and CAT 3-4 Women this year make for one great event.
Lodging
Remember folks that lodging goes fast in Hood River. Real fast. Book your accommodations today in order to assure you have a place to stay when you come to race. The Hood River Inn is back for a 9th year in a row supporting this event and rolling out the red carpet for you the racers. When you call them be sure and let them know you are with the race in order to get special rates and room availability. Let's show them how much we appreciate their support and fill them up early this year. Cooper Spur Mountain Resort is also back and one of the best deals in the area for lodging. Plus with the big race finish at the resort this year, wouldn't it be nice to leisurely shower up and pack before heading out?
Race Registration
Mt. Hood Cycling Classic will once again be sanctioned by USA Cycling for the Pro 1-2 Men's race and OBRA for the Masters 35+/45+, CAT 3 Men, Pro 1-2 Women, CAT 4 Men, and CAT 3-4 Women. We do anticipate some categories filling so do not wait to register. Once we have hit our cap that is it and you will have to wait till next year to race.
For more info on registration, course maps, and current information check us out on the web at www.mthoodcyclingclassic.com or stay tuned on Face book. We look forward to seeing all of you on the Starting line June 2nd.
Breakaway Promotions is official operations company of the Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic, Mt. Hood Cycling Classic, USA Cycling Mt. Bike Cross Country National Championships, Cascade Cycling Classic,
USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships, and USA Cycling Mt. Bike Marathon National Championships.