The Pikes Peak APEX Releases Start Format Changes and COVID-19 Safety Plan for September Mountain Bike Challenge

July 22, 2020

4-day Mountain Bike Challenge Sponsored By RockShox in Colorado Springs is a Go

Colorado Springs, Colorado—Sports Strategies announced today the safety plan and change in format for The Pikes Peak APEX presented by RockShox, a 4-day mountain bike challenge on the slopes of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain.  Instead of a mass start, the event will move to a small group and individual enduro-style start for this inaugural event in Colorado Springs.

“While we all were looking forward to a huge mass start with an expo and beer garden at the finish, some of those plans will need to wait until next year,” says Micah Rice, Executive Director of The Pikes Peak APEX.  “The safety of the riders, staff, volunteers, and local community needs to come first and foremost, so we are working to make changes that reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 while still maintaining a rewarding experience for the riders.”

The plan calls for an individual enduro-style prologue on the first day followed by small group wave starts on days 2, 3 and 4.  For riders who don’t want to ride in a group, individual starts will be available for all stages.  Since the event is chip timed and usually starts with a solid climb, the disadvantages of a solo start are minimized, and all riders can still be eligible for the $50,000 cash purse plus age group prizes.

Other changes include moving the mandatory pre-event rider meeting to a virtual platform, physical distancing measures at the start line and aid stations, and a “make your own afterparty” concept utilizing establishments in downtown Colorado Springs.  More information and details are available on the website here: https://www.pikespeakapex.com/covid-19-safety-plan

The Pikes Peak APEX presented by RockShox inaugural event will be held September 24-27, 2020. This unique event features four days of riding in Olympic City, USA, including in-town parks and backcountry stages on the slopes of Pikes Peak. The mission of the event is to drive economic impact to the area in order to improve the trails and open space in the Pikes Peak region for the lasting enjoyment of its residents and visitors.  The APEX, a Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance project, is operated by Sports Strategies, part of Tourism Strategies, LLC. Please go to www.pikespeakapex.com for more information.

For more information, please contact Micah Rice, Executive Director of the Pikes Peak APEX and VP of Event Strategy & Operations of Sports Strategies.