Road Bike Hill Climb

NEW NAME. NEW OPPROTUNITIES. SAME CLASSIC COURSE. SAME ICONIC SETTING.

As the only road cycling event at the GoPro Mountain Games, this iconic race gets a fresh update in 2026, opening the door for riders of all levels to test their grit. The Road Bike Hill Climb invites everyone from seasoned racers to weekend warriors to gear up, grab their spandex, and grind up one of the most legendary road climbs in the Rockies from Vail Village to the base of Vail Pass.

SUNDAY, JUNE 7
9:30 AM

 IMPORTANT:

NEW FOR 2026: Important new equipment guidelines for the 2026 race.
Registration for this event closes Saturday, June 6 at 6:00 PM.
The course map will be available 1 week prior to the race.

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Event Overview

SUNDAY, JUNE 7

Racers of all ages and abilities are invited to take on the original Time Trial course – one steeped in cycling history and open to everyone willing to challenge themselves. This iconic route has hosted legendary performances over the decades, from the Coors Classic of the late 1980s to the GoPro Mountain Games, and continues to test riders with the same demanding climb and fast finish.

Whether your goal is to chase a personal best, measure yourself against a storied course, or simply experience a true classic of American cycling, this Road Bike Uphill Climb delivers. Each rider becomes part of the course’s ongoing story, adding their own effort to a legacy built by generations of competitors.

No matter where you finish, crossing the line means you’ve taken on a course that rewards grit, determination, and the thrill of racing against the clock.

Times

SUNDAY, JUNE 7

9:30 AM

START LIST BY CLASS will be available Saturday, June 6 after 8:00 PM.

Rules

*Athlete’s age category is based on their age at the end of the calendar year, Dec 31, 2026.

FORMAT & RULES:

NEW FOR 2026 : Important equipment guidelines
- This event will be run in Merckx Style.
- All competitors must use a standard two-wheeled road bicycle with functional brakes on both wheels. NEW THIS YEAR Time trial or triathlon bicycles, aero extension bars, disc wheels, and other non-standard aerodynamic equipment are not permitted. 
- This format ensures a fair, accessible competition focused on rider effort rather than equipment advantage.
Athletes must enter the race start area from Vail Valley Drive (East end of the Vail Village parking structure).  
Final start times will be assigned by category and posted on the event website by 8:00 PM on Saturday, June 6. Athletes are responsible to know their own start time and check-in at the start at least 15 minutes prior to their start time. 
Racers will be sent out in 30-second intervals (Open Categories may be slotted in 1 minute intervals). Start times will be determined according to category, how many people are in your category and the date when registered.
Athletes who miss their assigned start time may still compete, but the clock will have started at the assigned time rather than the actual start time (e.g. Rider’s start time is 11:00 AM, but they show up at 11:05 AM. They will be allowed to start, but their time will be based on the 11:00 AM assigned start). 
The course is open to vehicle traffic, so be aware of vehicles at all times for your own safety.
The course is approximately 9.7 miles with over 1,600 ft of elevation gain.
The course map will be available one week before the race.
There will be absolutely no drafting behind any riders which are being overtaken or have been passed, riders must swing out of any slipstream from a rider they are overtaking at least 10 yards previous to a pass. Any observed violation will result in disqualification.  
All racers are required to ride within the bike lane, which will form a “racing lane” while turning right off the North Frontage Road, riding under the I-70 overpass, then making the left hand turn onto Bighorn Road which takes you through East Vail. You must slow down to negotiate this portion of the course and stay alert as this is a busy intersection. Cyclists riding recklessly will get disqualified.
Riders who have completed the course and are returning to Vail must remain as far right as reasonably possible and not exceed 25 mph. This is a safety precaution as a blow–out at high speeds could result in loss of control of a bike and a potential collision. 
All participants must pick up their transponder at the start and return it at the finish. Participants who fail to return it after the event may be subject to a penalty fee.
Ahletes should wear their number on their RIGHT rib cage or RIGHT lower back.
There will be 1 timed KOM/QOM stage within the course – an additional opportunity to win prizes!

LOCATION:

The start line is on the east end of East Meadow Drive in BFGoodrich Gear Town in front of Mountain Haus Vail. The finish line is at the cul-de-sac on the bike path for Vail Pass. 