Updated 12/31/20

The Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill climb is an iconic bicycle race that takes place on the highest paved road in North America on July 24, 2021. It began in 1962 as the Mt. Evans Hill Climb and was renamed in 1981 to honor 5-time race winner Bob Cook who died of cancer at the age of 23.

The race starts at an altitude of 7,540 feet and climbs to 14,130 feet, 130 feet below the Mount Evans’ summit. Due to the altitude, the event requires special preparation. Unless you’ve had 5-7 days to acclimate to high altitude, a common technique is to arrive and complete the event within 24 hours. Also, you need to be prepared for inclement weather. Even in the middle of summer it can be cold at 14,000 feet, not mention wind, rain, or snow potential.

Over the years, the race has attracted significant professional riders. Riders come from all over the United States and inAlso the past the race has had riders from France, Switzerland, Germany, and Australia compete. The age range of the participants is from nine to eighty-five years. The race is also supported by volunteers from the Colorado cycling community who help marshal, drive support, officiate and work the picnic. The event includes categories for all levels of racing and encourages riders of all abilities. Between six hundred and a thousand riders compete each year in a number of categories.

Even though the event is not a traditional gran fondo, Mt. Evans is a Gran Fondo National Series event. The series was established in 2012 and is comprised of eight European-style ride/races staged in the United States. Traditional GFNS events offer courses covering 30, 60 and 100-mile journeys through some of the most beautiful and challenging terrain in endurance sports. Timed sections allow riders to compete in specific segments of the course, while casual cyclists can ride at their own pace. Participants can ride as individuals or on teams. GFNS awards special prizes to the top riders in every age and gender category. Each rider is assigned an electronic timing-chip to keep track of their progress throughout the course and to allow riders to compete for best time through highlighted sections.

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Mt Evans Hill Climb

Mt Evans Hill Climb

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