The USA Pro Challenge, one of the largest professional cycling races in the United States, is expanding its support of cycling events across the US by partnering with the 24th annual Six Gap Century Ride for a new KOM (King of the Mountain) Challenge.
Held on 30 September, the Six Gap Century boasts many of the same roads and mountain climbs that were used in the now defunct Tour de Georgia. On the climb at Hogpen Gap, and following the new bike event partnership, participants will get a sense of what the pros experienced last month as they ride alongside the same course signage and through the same KOM pillars used in the USA Pro Challenge.
“Our new partnership with USA Pro Challenge is an exciting addition this year and perfectly complements our Century ride experience,” said Stefani Logsdon, Ride Director of the Six Gap Century & Three Gap Fifty Bike Ride. “Our riders work so hard throughout the year to train for the Six Gap Century, especially the Hogpen Gap climb, and it is wonderful to be able to challenge and reward them with the King of the Mountain competition.”
The Six Gap Century’s challenging route takes participants over six of the steepest climbs in the North Georgia Mountains. With more than 11,200ft of vertical climbing over the 104-mile course, riders will be able to put their skills to the test. Elevations for the six gaps in this ride range from 1,400ft to 3,460ft. The toughest climb, Hogpen Gap, will test even the strongest riders, averaging a 7% grade for seven miles, with sections as steep as 15%.
Known for being a tough ride with some of the steepest climbs in the southeast, the Century route invites riders to test their abilities in the mountains. As such, the KOM title will be awarded to the male and female rider with the lowest time on Hogpen Gap.
“Our goal is to build interest in the sport of cycling overall in the US and this partnership with the Six Gap Century Ride further demonstrates that commitment,” said Brian Farris, Chief Operating Officer of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. “Through pro rides like the USA Pro Challenge and amateur rides like this we are helping to build strong cycling communities and encourage riders of all levels to get out and enjoy the sport.”
As a European Gran Fondo-style event, the non-competitive Six Gap Century Ride will feature a diverse route with interval starts based on skill and distance so all levels of riders can participate. All distances start in Dahlonega, Georgia, at Lumpkin County High School, about one hour north of Atlanta.
During the last weekend of September, two days of two-wheeled action take centre stage in Dahlonega, Georgia, for the Six Gap Century Weekend. Hundreds of competitive adult and youth cyclists are expected to compete in 11 races in Historic Downtown Dahlonega on Saturday 29 September 2012 for the 2nd Annual Six Gap Criterium, the final event of the 2012 Georgia Championship Series.
On the following day, Sunday 30 September 2012, almost 3,000 cyclists are expected to make the annual uphill pilgrimage in three non-competitive rides for the 104-mile Six Gap Century, 58-mile Three Gap Fifty and 35-mile Valley Ride. The Six Gap Century & Three Gap Fifty Bike Ride is produced by the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce.
