Courtesy of the Town of Killington
Cyclists raced through Killington last May as part of the annual Stage Race.
KILLINGTON—The Killington Stage Race returns for the seventh consecutive year in 2016, bringing with it hundreds of top competitive cyclists from across the country. This year’s race is expected to draw over 1,000 competitors and spectators for the three-day event set for May 28-30.
Race Director Gary Kessler expects another great turnout. “Cycling fans should get ready to see some spectacular action by some amazing athletes all weekend long,” said Kessler.
Popular with cyclists and spectators alike, the Killington Stage Race is a series of three races structured to cover a variety of terrain and distances set against the scenic landscape of Vermont’s Green Mountains. The races include the Lookout Restaurant and First Stop Sports Circuit Race, an 18-mile circuit with an exciting sprint during every lap; the Champion System Road Race, a 61/76 mile point-to-point race featuring the grueling five-mile climb up East Mountain Road; and the Long Trail Brewing Individual Time Trial, an 11-mile course that’s relatively flat (for Vermont’s landscape).
“We’re very excited to continue to host this longstanding event.” says Amy Morrison, director of the Killington Pico Area Association. “Each year the Stage Race brings so much energy to the town, and it’s a great way to kick off a summer season full of events for cyclists, families and outdoor enthusiasts. The Stage Race is a stellar opportunity for both cyclists and spectators to experience the beauty of the region and recognize Killington as a premier cycling destination.”
In 2015 the race brought nearly 1,200 people to town, resulting in over $500,000 in direct spending in the region.
For the first time this year, Killington Resort will be opening many of its summer activities Memorial Day weekend. These activities include the Mountain Bike Park at Snowshed, a 4,800-foot alpine roller coaster, Skyeride, Terra-Maze and Ropes Course. Coinciding with Stage Race weekend is Killington Ski Club’s inaugural Beast of a Bike Swap, where cycling enthusiasts can find great deals on new and used bikes and accessories of all kinds.
For more information on Killington Stage Race courses, registration and more, visit www.killingtonstagerace.com. For more information about Killington’s summer events calendar and activities, visit www.discoverkillington.com, or www.killington.com.
