The 2012 Mt Hamilton Classic is the NCNCA district Elite Road Race Championship and a qualifier for the Nature Valley Pro Chase.
The longest continuously run road race in northern California, the Mount Hamilton Classic starts in San Jose, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley, and hits riders hard out of the gate with a 19-mile ascent of Mt. Hamilton, the highest peak in the bay area. It isn't strictly one for the climbers, however, as racers who are strong enough to hang close have their opportunity after the summit where the course turns into a technical descent down the back side of the mountain into and across the San Antonio Valley before two more 5-minute climbs that test riders’ resolve and a downhill drag race toward a sprint finish.
When: May 27, 2012. Race-day registration opens at 7:00am; first race at 8:00am.
Where: Joseph George Intermediate School, 277 Mahoney Drive in San Jose.
Course: The course climbs 4500' in 20 miles to the top of Mt. Hamilton, then continues 43 miles through remote ranch lands to the finish in Livermore on Mines Rd., 0.5 miles south of Del Valle. Total elevation gain exceeds 6000'.
Back for 2012! Race to the Observatory: Intended for Cat 5s, recreational riders, low-key hill climbers, and cycling enthusiasts. Race to the top of Mt Hamilton. We'll track your time so you can see how you compare to the Pros! Cat 5/public results will be posted at the San Jose registration site. (One-day USAC licenses will be available for purchase on site for those without a current license.)
Schedule:
Purse: Combination of cash and merchandise. Pro Men, Pro Women, and Elite 2 minimum 80% cash. All others minimum 60% cash. See the prize list for details.
Race flyer: Click here.