Thousands Descend On Vail To Watch Pro Challenge

VAIL, Colo. (CBS4)- The Vail Valley is welcoming thousands of spectators who are in town to watch many of the world's top cyclists compete in the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

Thursday's Stage 3 ride was a time trial from Vail Village to the top of Vail Pass.

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Erie cyclist Michael Kosta was among those who lined the streets on Thursday to watch.

"You can see the Tour de France on TV all the time. But when you're right in the middle of it there's just nothing like it," said Kosta.

The trial allows one cyclist out on the route at a time, which means it's one of the best viewing days of the entire race.

Some of the spectators in Vail expect to follow the Challenge until its completion in Denver on Sunday.

The Stage 4 start is in Avon on Friday. Temporary road closures will be in place on U.S. Highway 6 from Avon to Wolcott, then up CO Highway 131 toward Steamboat Springs and the Stage 4 finish.

Stage 5 will be on Saturday and will run from Steamboat Springs to Breckenridge.

The race wraps up on Sunday with Stage 6's ride from Golden to Denver. Riders will arrive at the state Capitol between 1:30 and 1:45 p.m.