The 2016 event differs slightly from the 2015 version with 14 additional miles of singletrack slated to be added to the race's already singletrack-heavy flavor. Additionally, citing the desire to not exceed the comfortable carrying capacity of each day's course and preserve the intimate "small race" feel, organizers have opted to reduce the field size for 2016.

"Epic began in 2009 with 108 riders amid an economy reeling from a freshly minted global recession," offers Epic race director Mike McCormack, "This past year we saw 27 past and present national champions, riders from 23 different countries and over 40 different states. What started out as a simple way to celebrate Breck's sprawling trail network has matured beyond anyone's wildest expectations. What's been accomplished is a testament to the army of incredible staff and volunteers - they've created something that's celebrated annually a quintessential element of the Colorado brand."

Unchanged for 2016 is Epic's cloverleaf format. Each stage begins and ends within minutes of downtown Breckenridge, allowing riders the luxury of staying in one spot for the entire event and enjoying all that the quaint Victorian mining community has to offer.

ABOUT BRECK EPICProduced by Eagle, Colorado-based public relations agency Uncommon Communications, the 6-day Breck Epic MTB Stage Race (presented by SRAM) launched in 2009. Designed to showcase the width and breadth of Breckenridge's magnificent trail network and drive destination visitation to Colorado, the Epic draws the best riders in the world to Summit County each August. The race is proud partners with cycling's best brands including SRAM, Santa Cruz, GU Energy Labs, Ergon Bike, Castelli Cycling, Beaver Run Resort, Mavic, Peak Dentistry, Smith Optics, Rock Shox, Avid, Keen, Coca Cola, Küat Racks, Truvativ and Giro. Recognized globally as one of the world's premier MTB events, the race's authenticity continually attracts mountain bikers of all ages and abilities.