Colorado: USA Pro Challenge route announced

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Bob Berwyn

7-day stage race set for late August

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Stage 2 of the USA Pro Challenge leads from Aspen over Independence Pass to Breckenridge.

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USA Pro Challenge racers will once again visit Breckenridge as part of the seven-day stage race through Colorado.

By Summit Voice

The 2013 USA Pro Challenge features two new host cities and the return of the popular Vail time trial, race organizers said this week, announcing details of seven-day stage race through Colorado (Aug. 19-25).

“The most important thing to us in creating the route for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge was to find a course that would be safe and challenging for the riders, while providing ideal viewing locations for the crowds of spectators,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge.

The two new cities, Loveland and Fort Collins, will be featured in the penultimate stage of the race on Aug. 24, when contenders will have to make a move before the final time trial stage in Denver. Stage 6 will start on the plains, but aggressive climbers will have a chance to amp it up when the race heads up Big Thompson Canyon and into Devils Gulch before hitting Estes Park. (more…)

Filed under: biking, Breckenridge, Colorado, recreation, Summit County Colorado, Summit County news | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Environment: Are synthetic fields hazardous to your health?

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Do athletes on synthetic turf fields risk exposure to lead and other toxic metals? Hard to know, because many schools don’t want to test their fields. Photo by Bob Berwyn.

New Jersey tests show possible risk of elevated exposure to lead

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Health experts have known for years that potentially toxic heavy metals are present in many synthetic playing fields, either the in fake blades of grass, or in the rubber particles used as infill.

Significant exposure to the metals, including lead, chromium, arsenic and cadmium, can pose health risks, and a recent study done for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection suggests there is a need for widespread testing of synthetic fields to try and calculate how high the exposure levels can be.

With 22 players running up and down a field, “It is highly likely that a significant particulate cloud can be created on the field and may persist in light wind conditions and certainly on indoor fields for significant portions of the game,” according to the study. (more…)

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Colorado: SOS youth prep for London Olympics trip

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

20 SOS Outreach youngsters are preparing for a trip to the London Summer Olympics.

Next up, a May 12 visit to the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — With the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London less than three months away, a group of 20 Colorado youngsters will tour the U.S. Olympic Training Center this coming week.

The SOS Outreach participants will get a preview of the premier athleticism and commitment to excellence they will see at the Olympics later this summer. (more…)

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Colorado to explore possible bid for Winter Olympics

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Colorado is getting serious about a bid for the Winter Olympics.

New committee to emphasize health, winter resources and the environment as a basis for hosting the games

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Health care professionals, former Olympic athletes, tourism experts and others have formed a new committee to explore the feasibility of making a bid for the Winter Olympics.

According to a press release, the Denver Exploratory Committee will identify the opportunities and challenges of a bid based on facts gathered by many others who have worked on this issue over a long period.

The committee will examine the financial issues, the feasibility and the economic impact of a potential bid and answer questions about such things as protocol, timing, venue requirements and process. Committee members will then present their findings to Gov. John Hickenlooper and Mayor Michael Hancock. (more…)

Filed under: business, Colorado, economy, recreation, Ski Resorts, skiing and riding, Summit County Colorado, Summit County news | Tagged: , , , , | 7 Comments »

Colorado: Cycling season peaks with races, winery tours

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Colorado cycling will be showcased with a slew of races and other special events.

Explore the Centennial State on two wheels

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — From townie cruisers to body armored downhillers and sleek road-racers, Colorado is a true Mecca for cyclists, and this summer’s lineup of special events underscores the point.

In August, some of the world’s best road racers will be in the state for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, while top mountain bikers will line up to tackle the Leadville 100 and a marathon-length race up Pikes Peak.

And besides all that, the BMX scene is also growing by leaps and bounds, with the opening of a new track in South Park and another under construction in Frisco.

In short, there’s never been a better time to explore Colorado on two wheels. Here is a partial listing of Colorado cycling adventures for every speed:

•    August 13 – The Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race is among the most challenging mountain bike races in the country, featuring steep climbs and serious descents at elevations in excess of 12,000 feet. Although this year’s mountain bike race is full, thousands will travel to Leadville to watch and cheer on their favorites
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•    August 13 – The Stonewall Century is a challenging road bike ride in southern Colorado that starts and ends in La Veta. Be treated to scenic vistas, friendly volunteers, great feed stations, and steep hills. The route follows Highway 12, a Colorado Scenic Byway known as the “Highway of Legends.” (more…)

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Olympics: PyeongChang to host 2018 Winter Olympic Games

Posted on July 5, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Munich, Germany & Annecy, France were the other finalists in the July 6 vote

The Alpensia winter sports complex near PyeongChang will host the bulk of the 2018 Winter Olympic events. PHOTO COURTESY PYEONGCHANG 2018.

2018 Winter Games go to PyeongChang, South Korea.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — The International Olympic Committee quickly picked PyeongChang, South Korea as the host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics, reaching a decision on the first ballot at about 8:20 a.m. Mountain Time.

Visit the new host city’s official Olympic website: http://www.pyeongchang2018.org.

The quick vote was no unexpected, with PyeongChang a heavy favorite after bidding for the games twice before.

The Asian winter sports capital promises to host a compact games that could help spark more participation in winter sports throughout the region.

Other candidates were Munich, Germany, which would have become the first city to ever host both the summer and winter games.

Also in the running was Annecy, France, where some events would be held in the shadow of Mont Blanc, near Chamonix, which hosted the first-ever Winter Olympics in 1924.

Choosing PyeongChang, South Korea as the host city brings the games back to Asia for the first time since the 1998 games in Nagano, Japan.

More information on the voting is online at the  IOC website. (more…)

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Breckenridge: Bikes take center stage this week

Posted on July 5, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

A passion for cycling can start at an early age in Summit County.

Breck Bike Week features group rides, workshops and volunteer trail-building opportunities

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Breck Bike Week is going big this year, with events including a countdown to the start of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, group rides, mechanical clinics and even a mountain bike ride with Breckenridge Mayor and cyclist John Warner.

“Breckenridge strives to kindle a new passion for sports, especially mountain and road biking, through events like our annual Bike Week,” Warner said. “Bike Week brings the best manufacturers to town so that visitors and locals can experience the latest and greatest equipment. We marry the high-tech side with easily-accessible activities such as paved bike paths and poker rides. We love bikes and bike events.”

With access to a trail network spanning more than 1,000 miles of Summit County, Breckenridge has a well-deserved reputation as a summer cycling destination. Many trails (which serve as routes for both amateur and professional races) are preexisting paths and flumes used by miners in search of gold. Road cyclists can explore the surrounding counties via mountain passes, bike paths and state highways. (more…)

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Colorado: BMX scene growing in South Park

Posted on July 2, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Community rallies to develop top-notch bike venue

BMX action in South Park, Colorado.

Story and photos by Daniel Dunn

There’s a new game in town. It’s called the South Park BMX track, and it’s the real deal. I realize it’s not in Summit County, but it’s close enough, and it’s something that has been, I think, sorely missing from this cycling-crazed community. It’s a wonderful addition for cyclists and it will be a boon for the whole South Park area, and Fairplay in particular. It’s located at the brand new South Park Recreation Center.

Kids can exercise their skill and daring at the new BMX track in South Park.

This is a full-on, professionally built and designed track. I was pretty much blown away when I pulled up and got out of the car and saw it. I’ve been racing mountain bikes for a long time. As a general sports and exercise freak I’ve seen great venues around the country and this ranks near the top.

It’s not something built on the spur of the moment with one small dozer and a few shovels. No, this is something impressive, and you can tell without much effort. And while they still have a lot of work to do, it’s ready for racing. In fact, they’ve been racing on it  already. Packing the track down and building the race ranks, there is a developing scene over there. With ample parking right next to the track, and quality people running the show, things are moving along a a great clip. I really have a gut feeling that the South Park BMX track and club is going places. (more…)

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Summit High coach opens new martial arts gym

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Pete Baker trains at his new mixed martial arts gym. PHOTO BY JENNIFER BRANCACCIO.

MMA 9150 grand opening set for May

By Jennifer Brancaccio

SUMMIT COUNTY — Summit High School’s head wrestling coach, Pete Baker, has opened Summit County’s only mixed martial arts gym, 9150 MMA in Dillon, hoping to reach customers of all ages.

Mixed martial arts is a full contact sport comprised of striking and grappling moves derived from various forms of martial arts around the world. Baker’s training center also offers conditioning and circuit training classes including kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, boxing, and wrestling for all ages.

Women’s boot camp, cardio circuit, and self-defense classes are also offered. Aside from the private and group classes, Fridays allow for practicing and “open mat” training in all disciplines.

In his youth, Baker was a wrestler in high school and became involved in mixed martial arts after following the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), seeing the sport as an outlet for his competitive energy. After training in world-class gyms like The Lion’s Den, in Reno, NV, Baker came to Colorado to train with other professionals. (more…)

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U.S. telemark racers wrap up World Cup season

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Shane Anderson scored a couple of top-ten finishes in the season-ending World Cup races in Norway. PHOTO COURTESY U.S. TELEMARK ASSOCIATION.

Junior squad comes on strong at world championship events

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — American telemark racers wrapped up their international season with some top-notch results at the World Cup telemark finals and world championships in Norway, with veteran Shane Anderson picking up a couple of ninth-place finishes against a field of the world’s best.

Anderson, who plans to retire from World Cup racing following this season, spent the winter in Europe living, training and racing along with team member Cory Snyder. Their goal was to compete in every World Cup race. Anderson said he will leave telemark racing with no regrets.

Following his top-ten finishes, Anderson said in his understated way, “Pretty good day.” His results throughout the season were consistently in the top 15 and he concluded the season in fourteenth place overall.

American skiers also did well in the Junior World Championships, also held in Norway. Sixteen year old Madi McKinstry of Steamboat Springs finished in third place in the Giant Slalom event and also brought home a bronze medal as the third place overall Junior World Champion. (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, skiing and riding, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: , , , , , | 1 Comment »

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