The field for the Colorado Stage International Cycle Classic will be comprised of 15 eight-member teams, invited by the Vail Valley Foundation and made up of Pro Tour, Pro Continental and Continental teams. In the inaugural year, a total of three Pro Tour teams will be invited with the remainder of the field composed of Pro Continental and Continental teams.
Click here to view Colorado Stage team and rider bios.
Pro Tour Teams:
Pro Tour riders represent the top level of professional cycling, elite competitors that participate in the highest level races such as the Tour de France and Tour of California. In any given year, there are only a total of 20 Pro Tour licenses issued by the UCI, cycling’s international governing body, and teams must reapply each year to maintain their elite status. The only way for a new team to enter the Pro Tour ranks is if another team drops out.
Pro Continental Teams:
Pro Continental Team riders are typically seasoned professional competitors, with some teams boasting former Pro Tour team members. This classification is generally considered a stepping stone for teams to attain Pro Tour status.
Continental Teams:
Continental Teams contain the up and coming professional riders, similar to Major League Baseball’s minor league system. These are the riders that make up the future of the sport and may well be the next superstars of cycling.
