Mountains Competitions

This page references previous event years. Follow this link for more information about the 2020 King and Queen of the Mountains Contests.

The Mountain is Always King

Cyclists riding the Valley View Challenge and Mt Solon Metric Century can try to clock their fastest times through the Mole Hill Timing Segment to earn the distinction of King and Queen of the Hill. Winners will be recognized on the podium and awarded a pair of The Alpine socks custom designed for the 2020 event by Ridge Supply.

Cyclists riding the Alpine Loop, Shenandoah Mountain Century and Shenandoah Mountain Adventure routes can compete for the Cancer Journeys Foundation Prostate Cancer Awareness Project King and Queen of the Mountains titles and jerseys. Full details follow:

Cancer Journeys Foundation Prostate Cancer Awareness Project KOM Jerseys will be awarded to men’s and women’s winners in 5-year age group categories.

Shenandoah Mountain Century and Shenandoah Mountain Adventure riders will compete against each other as they tackle three KOM segments on course: the paved climb up Virginia Route 33 on Shenandoah Mountain, the paved climb up Reddish Knob Road from Sugar Grove, and the paved climb on Mole Hill. To view the timing segments on course, view the route maps.

Alpine Loop riders will face four KOM segments on course. The first KOM segment is up the paved climb up Virginia Route 33 on Shenandoah Mountain. The second KOM segment is on the infamous climb up Fultz Gap. The third KOM segment is on the climb up Reddish Knob Road from Sugar Grove. The fourth and final KOM segment is on Mole Hill. To view the timing segments on course, view the route maps.

Male and female participants can team up to compete in the Cancer Journeys Foundation Couples Conquer the Mountain KOM Contest; a KOM competition in which the male/female pair with the lowest combined time on three of the KOM segments will win. Participants can be riders in the Shenandoah Mountain Adventure, Shenandoah Mountain Century and/or the Alpine Loop routes – in any combination. This contest is inspired by the Cancer Journeys Foundation Couples Conquering Cancer initiative that highlights the importance of men and women teaming up through lifestyle, diet and screening for cancer prevention.

The KOM Start/Finish Points will be indicated on the route maps, and published in the race manual on or before September 1. Exact locations will be subject to re-positioning – only slightly and to suit the needs of timing equipment on the course.

KOM Start and Finish locations will be designated on course by “KOM Start” and “KOM Finish” signs.

Electronic chip timing for KOM segments is provided by Mid-Atlantic Timing. All riders will wear electronic timing chip bands. These will be distributed at the start and reclaimed at the finish line. Bib numbers will be worn on riders’ bodies. Your number is important for event timing, to help identify your location on course, and for emergency purposes.

Click here for more information about the routes.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Project KOM and QOM podium ceremonies will take place at the Finish Line Festival.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Project President Robert Hess (right) awards PCAP KOM Jerseys at the Gran Fondo