Countdown to USA Pro Cycling Challenge – 22 Days Away!

August! It’s here and today I begin counting down to one of the greatest events to ever hit the state and roads of our Colorado Mountain Towns. The USA Pro Cycling Challenge is 22 days away and there is more than just a few excited folks around our Colorado Mountain towns! Tour de France junkies, no need to turn on the tube, all you need to do is walk out your front door. I think there will be a lot of you enjoying this event, LIVE, as I see there are over 12,911 fans (and growing) on Facebook alone.

17 teams have been announced for the pro cycling race that will host as many as 136 professional cyclists from around the globe, including Australia’s Cadel Evans, the 2011 Tour De France winner. The challenge of this race is our high altitudes, an unseen but readily felt obstacle that will be experienced by all of the racers. Huge descents from our mountain passes will require nerves of titanium (forget steel here). I think this USA Pro Cycling Challenge video sums it up nicely:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RzUNSa05pEg]

The USA Pro Cycling Challenge is supported by 11 Colorado Host Cities.  The majority of these host cities consist of our unique and stunning Colorado Mountain towns and include three of our  major front range cities.  

• Denver
• Colorado Springs
• Salida
• Breckenridge
• Gunnison
• Aspen
• Avon
• Steamboat Springs
• Golden
• Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte
• Vail

The launch of this event on August 22nd begins with The Prologue. The Prologue is an individual time trial important for designating the order of the beginning road stage the next day.  In the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, the Prologue takes place in Colorado Springs, one of only three Front Range communities (Golden, Denver, Colorado Springs) in the inaugural race. The incredible and fitting start to the race begins in the beautiful Garden of the Gods park. Riders will be released at one minute intervals starting at 1:15 p.m. and they will descend out of the park at  speeds reaching up to 50 miles per hour or more.  Click this link to actually see the course map and watch the course on the USPCC video (be sure to click video on the tabs above the map image) Technology is cool!!!

The Prologue takes the cyclists 5.5 miles out of Garden of the Gods, through Old Town Colorado Springs and into downtown Colorado Springs for the finish. The riding will be outrageously fast, with dramatic turns and high spreeds on the downhill. Viewing will be spectacular with a viewing spot that will allow you  to see each individual rider and their individual strategy for negotiating their turns at high speeds.  Teams on this day will be breaking out their ultimate speed vehicles in the quest to wear the yellow jersey during the first road stage. 

Colorado Spring is tucked  at the foot of Pikes Peak at an altitude of 6,035 feet. The city was founded in 1871 by General William Palmer and was a hub for the mining industry. The city was dubbed Little London for its affinity to arts and culture. Today access to arts and cultural venues are still readily accessible but its attractions have expanded to include bike trails and open spaces, family venues and is also home to the United States Olympic Committee. Visitors can watch world-class athletes in action at the U.S. Olympic Training Center located here. Over 300 days of sunshine each year graces this magical town so bring the sunscreen. 

Parties galore will be hosted. Be sure to check out the People’s Pedal Party the day before the race and check the Convention and Visitors Bureau for even more events http://www.visitcos.com/colorado-springs-events.

~Summit Sojourner

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