Despite event cancellations across the U.S., organizers of the VF Corporation-sponsored Colorado Classic continue to plan to hold the four-stage race from August 27-30. With the coronavirus pandemic not only not over, but with a second wave of the virus sweeping across the U.S., preparations for the mass-start event are challenging, but RMP Events CEO Lucy Diaz and her team are committed to holding the race and supporting the women's peloton.

Stages are planned in Snowmass Village, Avon, Boulder, and Denver, further complicating getting approval to host the race. It took numerous videoconferences and phone calls to coordinate with the Colorado governor and various municipalities and counties to get the race held in time for COVID-19.

"Because we're hosting the race on four consecutive days, we're essentially hosting the race in four different counties," Diaz told Cycling News, explaining that each county can interpret the governor's executive order and apply for any changes they deem appropriate. 'So it's not basically a story of one person seeking approval to allow the event to proceed in a safe and responsible manner. It's a discussion at many different levels: local, state, county, health department, police, etc. So there are a lot of moving parts; planning an event during COVID is not for the faint of heart. At the same time, it is a testament to the community and the sport itself. Every community we work with has told us that they have never once considered cancelling an event"

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"Everyone supports making this event happen. It's a celebration for the riders, for the community, and for the industry. There has been a lot of disappointing news, especially as USA Cycling has had to cancel the championships. So being able to really strive for positive news and celebration is what drives us every day."

The Colorado Classic began with a men's stage race and a smaller women's event, but last year focused solely on bringing top-level women's racing to the heart of the state. Last year, Chloe Dygert (Twenty20) took the overall win with a dominant performance. Diaz pointed to Colorado's progressive values as one reason why the women-only race model is so well supported.

"The community support for our women-only model has been amazing, and it's really great to see the community rally around it. I hope the players are looking forward to this event and that it is a bright spot, especially in a tough year"

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The race was supposed to bring in more international teams for 2020, but due to the travel chaos caused by the coronavirus restrictions, this year it will only be a national or continental field and may end up not being UCI-sanctioned.

"In reality, it will probably be a national race or a North American race. This event continues to evolve. Whether it's world-class, whether it's teams that can only come from the U.S. or North America, whether it's teams that can come from Europe, we're still building this event. From an organizer's standpoint, it makes no difference. For the riders it makes a difference, but it is by no means a light on the Colorado Classic.

The race has had to make some changes for 2020, eliminating the expo, fan zone, and other related events that will not be able to take place while the social distance requirements are in place.

"We dug deep into our budget and tightened it up, figuring out what we needed and what we wanted. 'It made us more creative, and I think ultimately that's what we've been talking about for a long time and in cycling. So it allows us to try new things, to do things differently, to do things differently than we've done in the past."

The Colorado Classic will once again feature full live streaming of each stage, with free access worldwide. The decision to make the live streaming free was made to increase exposure of the event. By removing all ancillary events around the race, which are not allowed under pandemic regulations, organizers can now fully focus on covering the race from start to finish and producing a quality product for worldwide distribution.

"Contrary to what you see in many sports, it's not about exclusivity, it's about exposure and inclusivity," says Diaz.

"Live streaming is one of the most important foundational elements of the event, and it's been a struggle over the years for the women's race. So it's always been non-negotiable for us."

With virtually no road racing taking place in the U.S. due to the pandemic, the Colorado Classic will be the first and perhaps only major event to be held in the U.S. this summer. Diaz and her team are in constant contact with the governor's office and local health officials, and have even partnered with a local laboratory to conduct coronavirus testing at the race.

"We have created a safe zone around the start-finish line and the team parking lot that is only accessible to authorized individuals, including the athletes, their support staff, and a specific number of staff and volunteers. It's very strict because everyone who sets foot in that area has to go through a vetting process as well as credentials

"There is no opportunity for spectators to come into that area. There are hundreds of miles of road between the start and finish, so that's where community partnerships come in. We have shifted our marketing and communication strategy to bringing spectators into the area around the start and finish line and providing a safe way for fans to participate in the event. Having a live stream is a great solution, but we understand the reality that people don't go out. That's why we are working with local municipalities to post signs and PSAs in the markets on how to watch the races safely and responsibly and comply with local health regulations"

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Diaz expects to not only monitor the peloton for signs of an outbreak, but also to test athletes for COVID-19 before races.

"We haven't decided exactly when the testing will take place, but we will be in contact with the team director 14 days after the event, and from there we will begin the initial screening, which will take place two days later within that time frame. From then on, we will be constantly monitoring and screening daily," Diaz said.

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