What Is 2015 USA Pro Cycling Challenge

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 USA Pro Cycling Challenge was a 7-day, 662-mile professional cycling race held from August 17 to 23, 2015, across Colorado, won by American rider Tejay van Garderen of BMC Racing Team.

Key Facts

The 2015 race spanned 7 stages and covered approximately 662 miles across Colorado.
It took place from August 17 to August 23, 2015.
Tejay van Garderen of the BMC Racing Team won the general classification.
The race featured 16 professional teams, including 4 UCI WorldTour squads.
Over 1 million spectators attended the event, making it one of the largest in U.S. cycling history.

Overview

The 2015 USA Pro Cycling Challenge was a prestigious multi-stage road cycling race that took place entirely within the state of Colorado. As one of the most significant professional cycling events in the United States, it attracted top-tier international teams and riders aiming to showcase endurance and tactical prowess across mountainous terrain.

The race featured challenging climbs, high-altitude routes, and fast finishes, drawing comparisons to European Grand Tours. With stages linking major cities like Aspen, Breckenridge, and Denver, the event highlighted both athletic excellence and Colorado's scenic landscapes.

Stage 1 on August 17 began in Steamboat Springs and covered 91 miles, setting a fast pace with a sprint finish won by Peter Sagan.
Stage 3 from Aspen to Breckenridge spanned 102 miles and included over 7,000 feet of elevation gain, testing climbers’ endurance at altitudes exceeding 10,000 feet.
Tejay van Garderen claimed the yellow jersey after a dominant performance on the Queen Stage, finishing over 1 minute ahead of second-place Andrew Talansky.
Fourteen of the 16 teams were UCI Professional Continental or WorldTour squads, including BMC Racing, Garmin-Sharp, and Lampre-Merida.
The final stage in Golden on August 23 was a 10.3-mile individual time trial, where van Garderen secured his overall victory with a time of 21 minutes and 48 seconds.

How It Works

The USA Pro Cycling Challenge followed the traditional format of a multi-stage road race, combining time trials, mountain stages, and flat sprints to determine an overall winner based on cumulative time.

General Classification (GC): The overall winner is determined by the lowest cumulative time across all stages. Tejay van Garderen led this classification from Stage 5 to the finish.
Stage Wins: Each day’s race is a stage, and winning a stage earns prestige and prize money. Peter Sagan won three stages, including the opening leg.
King of the Mountains (KOM): Awarded to the best climber, calculated by points earned on designated climbs. Joe Dumbrell claimed the polka-dot jersey in 2015.
Points Classification: Sprinters compete for the green jersey by earning points at stage finishes and intermediate sprints. Sagan dominated this category with consistent top-three finishes.
Team Classification: Based on the combined times of the top three riders per team each day. BMC Racing Team won this category, reflecting strong team coordination.
Time Bonuses: Riders earned 10, 6, and 4 seconds for top three finishes on each stage, influencing GC standings throughout the week.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2015 edition compared closely with previous years in terms of route difficulty and team participation.

Feature	2013 Edition	2014 Edition	2015 Edition
Total Distance	621 miles	650 miles	662 miles
Number of Stages	7	7	7
Winner	Carter Jones	Andrew Talansky	Tejay van Garderen
Top Altitude	10,900 ft	11,158 ft	12,095 ft
Team Participation	14 teams	15 teams	16 teams

The 2015 race reached higher elevations than prior years, particularly on the climb to Monarch Mountain, which peaked at 12,095 feet. This made it the most physically demanding edition to date, requiring specialized training for altitude adaptation.

Why It Matters

The 2015 USA Pro Cycling Challenge played a crucial role in elevating professional cycling in the United States, providing a platform for American riders to compete against international talent on home soil.

Boosted local economies in host towns, with Aspen and Breckenridge reporting over $30 million in tourism revenue during race week.
Increased visibility for U.S. cycling, with live broadcasts on NBC Sports reaching an estimated 8.5 million viewers.
Encouraged grassroots participation, as over 5,000 amateur cyclists joined associated events like the Pro Challenge Gran Fondo.
Highlighted athlete endurance at extreme altitudes, drawing attention to physiological challenges unique to Colorado’s terrain.
Supported anti-doping initiatives, with all riders undergoing pre- and post-stage biological passport testing.
Set the stage for future races, influencing the design of the 2016 edition with improved safety protocols and route diversity.

The 2015 event remains a benchmark in American cycling history, combining athletic excellence, public engagement, and logistical innovation to deliver a world-class competition.