If you have lived in Colorado for any amount of time, you know that Pro Cycling has rich history in the state.  In the 80s and 90s we had the 7-11 team founded by former U.S. Olympic cyclist, Jim Ochowicz, later being sponsored by Motorola.  Names like Andy Hampsten, Rob Roll, Eric Heiden, Alex Steida and Ron Keifel make up the story line of that team.   

Also that saw Greg Lemond and Bernard Hinault go at it in  the 1986 Coors Classic, after Lemond became the first American to win, what was a very contentious, Tour de France.  The Coors classic was the host to the worlds greatest riders for years, extending from 1980-88.  

Colorado has since hosted the USA Pro Challenge from 2011-15, and the Colorado Classic from 2017-19.  But it has been a 6 year drought, until now. 

Elite Cycling is Back

The world’s best cyclists are expected to return to Colorado in 2026 with the launch of the Tour of Colorado, a brand-new stage race organized by Infinity Events Group.

If you have never seen a stage race, you are in for a treat.  Every year, Littleton hosts the Littleton Twilight Criterium, which brings elite and pro riders, for one evening.  But with a stage race, you get to see all phases of cycling: criteriums, road races, and time trials.  The best overall accumulated time of all stages is the winner.  

Cycling, especially in a stage race,  is not an individual sport, as some would think.  It is a team sport, filled with tactics and strategies for each team member with one goal, to get their leader on the podium. 

Scheduled for September 2026, the five-stage event will mark the return of elite level road racing to Colorado for the first time in over six years. The race is expected to attract top-tier teams from around the world, showcasing Colorado’s landscapes and terrain. Race dates and route details will be announced before the end of 2025.

The Tour of Colorado will also feature a social impact program aimed at maximizing benefits for local communities and businesses throughout the state.

“We are very pleased to be developing the new Tour of Colorado stage race,” said Scott Taylor, Infinity Events Group Director. “The combination of Colorado’s rich history of cycle racing, the amazing scenery and the incredible support that past races have received provide the perfect foundation for us to create an exciting, world-class race with bold ambitions for the future.”

“We are pleased to support Infinity Events Group’s proposal to bring a stage race back to Colorado,” said Brendan Quirk, USA Cycling president and CEO. “Their vision for The Tour of Colorado is exciting. It will be an inspirational event for the sport in the U.S. and will be an amazing opportunity for people to see some of the best cyclists in the world.”

Durango native and 2023 Vuelta a España winner, Sepp Kuss, said: ”It’s great news that a stage race will return to Colorado. I can’t wait for the peloton to experience the beauty of my home state. We have some tough and amazing climbs that will challenge the best riders. I hope the Tour of Colorado can inspire many to follow our sport more closely or, even better, start riding their bike themselves.”

Governor of Colorado, The Honorable Jared Polis, who has been a very big supporter of, and advocate for, cycling in Colorado, said: “There is no better state to train and compete in than Colorado. I am excited to watch the 2026 Tour of Colorado stage race, which gathers cyclists from across the world to compete at the highest level in the Rocky Mountains. This exciting event brings spectators from around the globe, bolstering Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy and highlights why Colorado is the best state for all athletes.”  

About Infinity Events Group

Infinity Events Group conceives, designs, and operates events that excite, inspire and inform. Harnessing the power of sport, the events are underpinned by a social impact program to realize and maximize their social and economic benefits.