A British event organization, Infinite Events Group, has announced plans to reinstate international bike racing in Colorado with the launch of the Tour of Colorado, slated for September 2026. The new five-stage race will be held between the Maryland Cycling Classic and the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, creating a full racing block for professional cyclists in North America.
Colorado’s rich cycling history, dating back to the 1970s and 1980s, saw the Coors Classic attract legendary riders like Bernard Hinault, Greg LeMond, and Davis Phinney. Considered by many as the best race ever held in the U.S., the Coors Classic was a major fixture in global cycling until its final edition in 1988. Subsequent attempts to revive Colorado’s cycling scene, including the USA Pro Challenge (2011-2015) and the Colorado Classic (2017-2019), faltered due to financial challenges.
Now, Infinite Events Group is determined to build on this legacy and bring top-tier racing back to Colorado. The Tour of Colorado, which will feature some of the world’s premier cycling teams, aims to reinvigorate the sport in the region.
Scott Taylor, Director of Infinite Events Group, shared his enthusiasm for the race’s potential. “When you look at the altitude of the climbs and the peaks – it blows away anything they’ve got on the Tour de France. This is going to rival anything that happens in Europe,” he told Cycling Weekly.
Professional cycling in the U.S. has seen a steady decline in recent years, with high-profile events like the Tour of California (2020 hiatus) and Tour of Utah (2021 closure) ceasing operations. The Colorado Classic, which transitioned to a women’s-only event in 2019, has also struggled financially. However, the Maryland Cycling Classic, held for the first time in 2023, marked a hopeful return of international cycling to the U.S., albeit in the early stages.
Taylor acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “I’m not blind to the fact that this is not easy. But we all go in with a huge amount of optimism and passion. It feels as though, following Covid, maybe people are just ready for it.”
Founded in 2021, Infinite Events Group is still in its early stages, with the pandemic delaying its debut. Despite this, Taylor expressed confidence in the company’s capabilities, emphasizing that it’s drawing on the experience of seasoned professionals in the world of cycling events.
“We are bringing together people who have worked on world championships before and national and international events,” Taylor assured.
The Tour of Colorado has already received support from key organizations, including USA Cycling, Bicycle Colorado, and Colorado’s Governor Jared Polis. Brendan Quirk, CEO of USA Cycling, expressed excitement over the event’s potential to inspire U.S. cycling fans, noting, “It will be an inspirational event for the sport in the U.S. and will be an amazing opportunity for people to see some of the best cyclists in the world.”
When asked about the challenges that past races faced, Taylor offered a candid response. “We may fail – that is the reality. But I think there’s a lot of untapped support. If it can be pitched right, companies are ready to look at it again,” he said.
Understanding the need to attract commercial partners, Taylor emphasized that the race will offer more than just competitive cycling. The organizers plan to create a complete experience that includes entertainment and community engagement, ultimately benefiting local businesses and residents.
The timing of the event could prove to be a key factor in its success. Taylor believes the enthusiasm for cycling in the U.S. is on the rise, and the scheduling of the Tour of Colorado between the Maryland Cycling Classic and the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal will offer a solid block of races that will be appealing to European teams.
“There’s now a block of racing that’s worth [a team’s] time and effort,” Taylor explained.
Colorado native Sepp Kuss, winner of the 2024 Vuelta a España, expressed his excitement about the race, saying, “I can’t wait for the peloton to experience the beauty of my home state. We have some tough and amazing climbs that will challenge the best riders.”
The 2026 Tour of Colorado will initially be a men’s-only event, with potential plans for a women’s race in the future. Taylor is optimistic about the long-term vision, stating, “Let’s get one up and running and then bring the other one on.”
Detailed information about the race dates and route will be released by the end of 2025.
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