STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO- Two days of road bike racing will again draw racers locally and from around the region for the 12th Annual Steamboat Stage Race.  However, due to COVID-19 impacts, the race will see significant changes to adhere to special event, county and state public health protocols. 

This year, the small-scale event, capped at a total of 175 participants per current state outdoor event guidelines, offers two unique race stages that include an individual time trial on Saturday and road race on Sunday along with virtual registrations, awards and rider meetings. In addition, physical distancing measures and restrictions are in place at start/finish areas to limit contact.   

With most of the event occurring outside city limits, motorists should be aware of racers on County Roads 27, 29 & 33 over the weekend as well as a Sunday morning and afternoon road closure for Critter Court. The routes and impacts are as follows:

• Road Impacts, Saturday, Sept. 5: Racers will start in one-minute intervals at the intersection of Shield Drive and CR33 as they head out CR33/Twenty Mile Road. The race finish will be at the top of the climb on Twenty Mile Road/CR33. Motorists should anticipate encountering cycling traffic between 11am and 3pm. 
• Street Closures, Sunday, Sept. 6: Expanded starting area will see intermittent closures on Critter Court from Happy Jack to 13th Street while racers stage for the start. A few hours later, the same closure will be in effect as racers finish this stage. The race is anticipated to run from 7:30am to 3pm with anticipated start/finish waves at 7:30-8am, 10:30-11:30am and 2:30 to 3:30pm. 

The goal with this annual event, is to minimize rider/vehicle/resident encounters and road delays and run the race at off times when traffic is lower. This year, the event has developed a comprehensive COVID-19 mitigation protocol that includes the use of PPE, physical distancing, and no gatherings outside of active racing. Additional information about the event can be found at bikesteamboat.com.