As the name implies, the Breck Epic 2026, America’s premiere 6-day mountain bike stage race, is indeed EPIC. A mountain biking event with humble beginnings, it’s no surprise that the team here at Strambecco considers the Breck Epic to be one of the Best Mountain Biking Events in Colorado and the Rockies. Six big single-track stages that range between 35 and 50 miles make this no joke. The daily race routes of the Breck Epic are thoughtfully chosen by local experts and the organizer, Greenspeed Project, which gives the courses an extremely fun mix of big climbs and big descents. The race is generally 220-240 miles long total and ‘features’ roughly 40,000′ feet of vertical gain and loss throughout the stages. The event maintains a high-quality race experience with a 400-rider field limit, drawing riders from over 25 countries and 40 states annually.

The event organizers meticulously designed each stage of the Break Epic course, asking themselves the question: “What big rides would we want to tackle if we had most of the day to slaughter and 6 of our best friends along for the ride?” The six backcountry loops each day kick off at 8:30 am and showcase a cloverleaf format that starts and finishes within a mile of downtown Breckenridge.

Stage 1: Pennsylvania Creek (35.7 miles/5700′) introduces you to the heart-pounding adventure with long middle-ring climbs and thrilling descents. Stage 2: The Colorado Trail (42.5 miles/6565′) takes you on an epic journey with a mix of challenging terrain. Stage 3: The Circumnavigation of Mt. Guyot (40.5 miles/7100′) features a unique dress code – Onesie Wednesday! – as you cross the Continental Divide twice and enjoy a Skittles hand-up at the top of French Pass. Stage 4: Aqueduct (42.3 miles/6473′) includes the Galena Ditch Trail singletrack sections. Stage 5: Wheeler (24.6 miles/5227′) offers a shorter distance in a 10-rider time trial format. Stage 6: The Gold Dust Trail (30.2 miles/3740′) promises a grand finish with a PBR hand-up.

The Breck Epic boasts a purse and awards, with $10,000 evenly split between pro men and women, paid five deep. Categories include 6-day Solo, 6-day Duo (teams of two), and 3-day Solo, offering a variety of options to suit different preferences.