UCCS will host the fourth and final round of the USA Cycling US Cup Pro Series mountain biking race June 28 – 29.

The 3.4-mile race will start and finish in Lot 15, utilizing trails on the north campus property near the Heller Center and the Colorado Springs Pulpit Rock Open Space.

The course will feature asphalt, double-track and single-track trails, and multiple obstacles while gaining 385 feet per lap.

“This is a great venue to wrap up the series with,” Scott Tedro, president, Sho-Air Cycling Group, said in a press release.

According to Andrea Hassler, trails specialist, the UCCS Recreation Center has worked with race organizers since the Fall 2013 semester to prepare the course.

The project has offered students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while learning about trail maintenance and erosion control.

“We’ve spent many days hiking the trails in the field until finalizing a route for the race,” Hassler said. “Two weekends ago, students from the GES 4700: Trails and Land Ethic course learned how to build check dam structures to help restore a section of trail that is eroding in the north campus area.”

According to Hassler, these structures will help mitigate erosion by slowing down water as it moves downhill, while doubling as interesting obstacles for the riders in the race to navigate and jump.

Following the race, the trails will remain open for recreational use. However, some sections will eventually be closed and restored with new trails built in more sustainable locations.

Faculty, staff and students interested in watching the race are welcome to join spectators in Lot 15. The event will also be streamed online at http://www.usacycling.org/2014-us-cup-pro-series-live-stream.htm.

For more information, visit http://www.usacycling.org/uscup.

A map of the race course follows (click to enlarge).

— Photo by Philip Denman