Summer 2012 brings three top-level cycling events to the
Killington region
KILLINGTON-Killington may be known throughout New England for being
in the heart of the stunning green mountains, but it's the roads
through those mountains that will be getting the attention this
summer.
This year, the town of Killington welcomes not one, not two, but
three major cycling events to its winding roads and mountain
passes.
The cycling season kicks off on Memorial Day Weekend with the
famous Killington Stage Race, which attracts more than 600 cyclists
from across the country for three days of racing one of New
England's most challenging courses. The cycling season continues
June 23 with the Long Trail Century ride - also offering 20 and 50
mile courses - to benefit Vermont Adaptive Sports. Finally, on
August 18, the multi-day, non-competitive Vermont Challenge will
arrive in Killington as a stop on its cycling tour of the
State.
"The Killington Stage Race has long been recognized as one of the
most challenging and prestigious cycling races on the east coast,"
says Suzie Dundas, director of economic development & tourism
for the Town of Killington. "And by introducing the first-year
Vermont Challenge, and supporting the second year of the Long Trail
Century ride, we're offering every level of cyclist the chance to
explore our region through an event."
Phil Black, creator of the Long Trail Century Ride, adds: "We took
this on last year to get the ball rolling, and this year with Long
Trail, Killington Resort, the town and the entire community behind
it, it's going to simply be an amazing event-not just the ride, but
the après party as well. We think it will become a signature
Killington event-benefiting an amazing organization-for years to
come."
The Long Trail Century Ride provides beginner and intermediate
courses, the Stage Race offers a challenge, including a five-mile
uphill finish, and the Vermont Challenge offers cyclists a chance
to see more of the fabulous Vermont scenery. This final race route
will take participants past mountain lakes and beaches, through
quaint towns, past village greens and centuries-old country stores,
and over the very roads that were rebuilt not long after being
destroyed by Hurricane Irene in August 2011.
"We couldn't be happier to see the growth of Killington as a
cycling destination," adds Dundas. "It's a state unrivaled in its
scenery and New England charm, and there's no better place to see
that than from Killington's location here in the heart of the
unspoiled Green Mountains."
Tagged:
bicycling, Cycling, killington, Killington Stage Race, Long Trail Century Ride, New England, Memorial Day Weekend
