Pro cyclists from around the world are descending upon Colorado this week to take part in the first-ever Colorado Classic, a premier 2.HC race which is part of the USA Cycling's Pro Road Tour.

16 men's teams will compete in a four-stage, four-day circuit race of more than 300 miles, while 15 women's teams will tackle a two-stage, two-day circuit race of 70-plus miles. For those that are new to cycling jargon, "circuit race" means that the race begins and ends in the same place, so men's teams will complete four circuits, and women's teams will complete two. From Colorado Springs to Breckenridge to Denver, teams will get to see a great bit of our beautiful state. [caption id="attachment_20890" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image courtesy of KOAA.com[/caption] Spectators are allowed to hang out along the routes and cheer the cyclists on as they pass, however, the ticketed Velorama festival in the RiNo Art District in downtown Denver will serve as a sort of village-like "hub" for the event, featuring incredible bands (including Death Cab for Cutie!), great food and drinks, vendors, activities, and a front row seat for the finish line of Saturday and Sunday's races. The festival accompanying the race is a new concept, with hopes of reviving American interest and excitement in the sport. For Velorama ticket information, click here.     Here's everything else you need to know about the race schedule and routes: Thursday, August 10 Colorado Springs Women's: 10 a.m.–11:35 a.m. Men's:  1:10 p.m.–4:40 p.m. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="20880,20881"] Friday, August 11 Breckenridge Women's: 11 a.m.–12:25 p.m. Men's:  2 p.m.–4:40 p.m. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="20882,20883"] Saturday, August 12 Denver/Peak to Peak Hwy out-and-back Men's:  1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Sunday, August 13 Denver City Circuit Men's:  12:20 p.m.–3:15 p.m.   Pro cyclists competing in the event represent the U.S., Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Great Britain, Rwanda, and many others. The Colorado Classic is an official race under the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the governing body for worldwide sports cycling, which oversees international competitive bicycling events. The category "2.HC" is the highest-ranking multiple-stage road race. You can watch the race on NBCSN, or watch the live-stream on NBC Sports Gold (if you have the subscription app). For more information, check out the Colorado Classic website.