Event Overview
Scheduled for August 2026, the Copper Triangle is a legendary alpine cycling sportive that starts and finishes at Copper Mountain, Colorado. This is a high-altitude 'loop' that covers 79 miles and climbs over three iconic mountain passes: Fremont Pass (11,318 ft), Tennessee Pass (10,424 ft), and Vail Pass (10,662 ft). It is a classic 'Rocky Mountain' experience, featuring breathtaking vistas, crisp mountain air, and a total elevation gain of nearly 6,000 feet. The vibe is one of shared struggle and mountain-town celebration, attracting thousands of riders from across the globe.
Course Details & Terrain
The course is entirely on paved roads and dedicated cycling paths (specifically on Vail Pass).
- Fremont Pass: The first climb of the day. It's long and steady. The challenge here is the altitude; your power output will be roughly 10-15% lower than at sea level.
- Tennessee Pass: A more gradual ascent that allows for some 'big ring' riding if your legs are feeling strong.
- Vail Pass: The sting in the tail. You approach this from the Vail side on a winding bike path. It features several steep ramps that can be demoralizing after 60 miles of riding.
The descents are fast and wide, but afternoon thunderstorms are common in Colorado in August, meaning the roads can go from bone-dry to slick in minutes.
Who Should Enter? (Beginners vs. Experienced)
For Beginners: This is a significant challenge. If you haven't ridden 75+ miles with significant climbing, this should be a 'goal' race with months of preparation. The altitude is the primary barrier; beginners should arrive in Colorado at least 3-4 days early to acclimatize.
For Experienced Athletes: This is a test of your Functional Threshold Power (FTP) at elevation. It's a fantastic training ride for events like Leadville or a great way to test your climbing legs against a competitive field. The goal for elites is often to clear all three passes with a normalized power close to their sea-level endurance pace.
Coach Raye's Race-Day Pro Tips
- Hydrate for the 'Thin' Air: You lose significant moisture through your breath at 10,000 feet. You need to drink more than you think, even if it feels cool. Include electrolytes to prevent cramping on the final climb of Vail Pass.
- Conservative Pacing on Fremont: The biggest mistake is 'burning matches' on the first pass. Keep your heart rate in Zone 2 or low Zone 3. If you go into the red at 11,000 feet, it is much harder to recover than at sea level.
- Layer Up for the Descents: Even in August, the temperature at the top of the passes can be 20 degrees cooler than the valleys. Carry a lightweight, packable wind vest for the long descents to prevent your core temperature from dropping.
How to Train for This Event
Training for the Copper Triangle requires a mix of sustained climbing intervals and high-torque low-cadence work to simulate the steep ramps of Vail Pass. Coach Raye provides adaptive, custom WhatsApp training plans that take the guesswork out of mountain prep. Raye calculates your power-to-weight ratios and prescribes specific 'threshold' sessions that build the aerobic capacity needed to thrive in the thin Colorado air, ensuring you have the gears to conquer all three peaks.