the Mt. Tabor stage in 2008.
(Photo © J. Maus)
Big time bike racing returns to Portland tonight with the kick-off of the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic. The race is one of the largest professional stage races in the country and several top teams are slated to participate.
Among the notable pros lining up this year will be Olympian Billy Demong who won a gold medal in nordic skiing at the Vancouver Olympic Games.
A prologue time trial will happen tonight out at Portland International Raceway (just north of Kenton) and tomorrow the action moves to Mt. Tabor for Stage 1, where competitors will face the challenging climbs and descents of the legendary 1.5 mile circuit. At both PIR and Mt. Tabor, race organizers have put together a big spectator expo and in addition to great racing action there will be music, food, and lots of vendors to check out.
The MHCC last came to Portland in 2008 when the opening prologue was held on Naito Parkway along Waterfront Park.
After the prologue and opening stage in Portland, racers will head out to the Gorge to complete the 5 stage event. Check out the official race website for more information.