Mavic Haute Route comes to the U.S. Rocky Mountains

The world’s highest, toughest and most prestigious amateur cycling challenge is officially coming to America with entries opening for the inaugural Mavic Haute Route Rockies on April 28th.

Organisers are predicting a sell-out for the week-long event that will pit up to 600 amateur cyclists against Colorado’s most dramatic cycling terrain. Seven timed, ranked and fully-supported stages will carve through the heartland of American cycling, departing on June 24th 2017.

The Mavic Haute Route Rockies will follow a similar format to its three sister events in Europe. Every summer 1,500 riders from across the world take on the Alps, Pyrenees and Dolomites. The four Haute Route editions form cycling’s first global series of multi-day events.

Competitors can expect an unparalleled level of rider support provided by title partner, Mavic, drawing on decades of experience supporting the pro peloton in cycling’s grand tours. Sections of gravel and dirt road (approximately 15% of the course) will add a new dimension to the Haute Route challenge but it will still be able to be negotiated on a standard road bike fitted with 25mm tyres.

Matt Holden, Chief Operating Officer of the Haute Route owners and organisers, OC Sport, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring this unique cycling challenge to the US. The response we’ve had on the ground in Colorado has been staggering – it’s obvious why it’s known as America’s cycling state."

"Based on the Haute Route’s success in Europe, there’s no question that finishing the Mavic Haute Route Rockies will represent a bucket-list achievement for committed amateur cyclists from all over the world.”

Mavic’s brand director, François-Xavier Blanc, said: “We are incredibly excited to work alongside OC Sport to bring the Mavic Haute Route Rockies to life. Staging the Haute Route on roads and terrain embedded in American cycling culture will make for an unforgettable event.”

Entries go on general sale on April 28th at a reduced price of $2,200, rising to $2,400 following a full course announcement in July. Accommodation packages will also be available to purchase online at www.hauteroute.org

The Haute Route’s comprehensive offering includes mechanical support, stage timing and ranking, feed stations and Mavic’s exclusive event jersey and bib shorts. Off the bike, competitors can expect daily massages, food in the race village and transfer of luggage to accommodation between stages.

The Haute Route’s official charity partner is the Team Type 1 Foundation (TT1) – its mission is to fight for the right to live and for equal access to medication, education and empowerment among people affected by type one diabetes.

TT1 founder Phil Southerland said: “The Haute Route has been a tremendous partner to the Team Type 1 Foundation over the past two years, helping us to raise enough money to pay for all the diabetes supplies for people affected by diabetes in Rwanda."

“The Mavic Haute Route Rockies will give us the chance to tap into the wonderful US cycling community who have a history of excellence in philanthropy through bikes. The money raised will allow us to provide even more college scholarships for athletes affected by diabetes in the US. People will suffer on the bike, but serve the kids in need here in America.”

Entries can be purchased online at www.hauteroute.org from April 28th.

Find out more about the Team Type 1 Foundation at http://teamtype1.org