• The 36th annual Cascade Cycling Classic starts Wednesday and concludes July 26

Wednesday

When: Pro men, 10 a.m. start, 125 miles; pro women, 11 a.m. start, 81 miles.

Breaking down the stage: Wednesday’s stage 1 of the CCC includes a new twist on the McKenzie Pass Road Race. The stage will start at Jefferson County Middle School in Madras and take riders southeast through Prineville and then back north and west through Redmond. From Redmond, cyclists ride west and pass through Sisters, then make their way up the finishing climb to the top of McKenzie Pass along state Highway 242. The pro men’s race, 125 miles, is one of the longest stages in the history of the CCC.

Best place to watch: Arrive early at the Dee Wright Observatory at the top of McKenzie Pass to watch the finish.

Stage 2: Crooked River Time Trial

Thursday

When: Pro men, 10 a.m. start, 16 miles; pro women, start time TBA after men, 16 miles.

Breaking down the stage: The time-trial stage is based out of Crooked River Park in Prineville. Cyclists will race on an out-and-back route on the Crooked River Highway, which follows the path of the Crooked River south of Prineville. The route is relatively flat but gently rises on the way out and descends on the way back. Participants will ride out about halfway to Prineville Reservoir before turning around and heading back to Prineville.

Best place to watch: Time trials are not the most exciting races for spectators, but the aerodynamic gear the riders use is fairly interesting. The most accessible place to watch is the start/finish area near Crooked River Park.

Stage 3: Cascade Lakes Road Race

Friday

When: Pro men, 8:30 a.m. start, 111 miles; pro women, 9:50 a.m. start, 73 miles.

Breaking down the stage: Both races start at Bend’s Summit High School and finish at Mt. Bachelor ski area’s Sunrise Lodge. Both fields will head west along Century Drive past Mount Bachelor, then south on the Cascades Lakes Highway. The men will circle Crane Prairie Reservoir twice before heading back on Forest Service roads 40 and 45 toward Sunrise Lodge at Mt. Bachelor and the finish.

Best place to watch: The finish at Sunrise Lodge should feature an exciting sprint among the cyclists in the lead group.

Stage 4: Downtown Twilight Criterium

Saturday

When: Pro women, 5:45 p.m. start, 50 minutes; pro men, 7 p.m. start, 75 minutes.

Breaking down the stage: Always a spectator favorite, this stage brings the cycling action into the heart of downtown Bend. The start/finish line is located on Wall Street, close to the intersection with Franklin Avenue. Each lap includes four 90-degree turns as the fields make their way around and around a counterclockwise circuit made up of Wall Street, Idaho Avenue, Bond Street and Oregon Avenue. Expect high speeds on the straightaways and plenty of action along the way as riders fight for sprint points at intermediate stages of the race.

Best place to watch: If you can watch only one stage, make it this one. The nonstop action of cyclists speeding around four corners in downtown Bend makes this a must-see stage. Pretty much anyplace along the route makes for good viewing. The finish line is usually packed with spectators.

Stage 5: Awbrey Butte Circuit Race

Sunday, July 26

When: Pro men, 1 p.m. start, five laps, 82 miles; pro women, 1:05 p.m. start, three laps, 49 miles.

Breaking down the stage: Both races will start off Northwest College Way in west Bend, near Central Oregon Community College, and finish with a steep climb up Northwest Summit Drive, also near COCC. The hilly, looping final stage of the Cascade Cycling Classic passes by both Shevlin Park and Tumalo State Park and includes a stiff climb up Archie Briggs Road — where the strongest climbers often make their moves — toward the end of each circuit.

Best place to watch: The climb up Archie Briggs Road is THE place to watch some of the best U.S. cyclists earn their livings. The pro men will ride it a lung- and leg-busting five times. The finishing climb could make for a dramatic conclusion on the final stage.