Nissan and the USA Pro Challenge – A Moving Partnership

Bicycles and Cars often share the road, especially if it is the USA Pro Challenge. I just recently heard that Nissan and the USA Pro Challenge have extended their partnership for two more years, with Nissan as a Founding Partner of the event through 2013.

As part of the partnership, Nissan will have a consumer-engaging footprint within the Lifestyle Festival, an interactive, free-to-the-public event that will be located at the finish of each stage of the race. Nissan also will provide more than 40 vehicles for the event, including the lead, operations, medical and VIP cars within the official race entourage leading and following the peloton on the nearly 700-mile course. Additionally, Nissan will be staging a King of the Mountain Ride and Drive event, which will allow consumers a chance to test-drive the all-new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder.

One of the biggest cycling races in the United States, the USA Pro Challenge will take place August 20-26, and will travel through 12 Colorado host cities from Durango to Denver.  “Nissan was such a valuable partner to us for the inaugural race,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the Pro Challenge. “The company’s commitment to health, wellness and green initiatives aligns perfectly with the focus of the USA Pro Challenge.”

Members of the RadioShack Nissan Trek cycling team will be featured in the USA Pro Challenge field. Nissan will also serve as the presenting sponsor for Stage 6 (Golden to Boulder) on Saturday, August 25.

During the Lifestyle Festival, Nissan will invite guests to experience the all-new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, participate in a bike challenge and enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a Nissan vehicle.

“Nissan is proud to continue our founding partnership status with the USA Pro Challenge for the next two years,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Nissan. “This is one of the premier cycling events in the country, and is a natural opportunity for us to showcase our company’s commitment to supporting health and wellness.”

For 2012, Nissan’s sponsorship of the USA Pro Challenge is again directly integrated with the Innovation for Endurance program, which aims to help athletes take their performance to a whole new level through exclusive daily content showcasing the latest innovations in running, cycling and general fitness. People can visit www.facebook.com/InnovationForEndurance for state-of-the-art tips from elite marathoners Ryan Hall, Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher; cycling champion Chris Horner and the cyclists of RadioShack-Nissan-Trek professional cycling team; and world record-holding swimmer Ryan Lochte.

That is pretty neat. I have been intrigued by the cars. Who drives them? What are they for? What are the credentials necessary to be a driver or passenger? When I wasn’t directly at one of the stages this past year it was cool watching the support vehicles assisting the racers with food and drink on television.  I bet I wasn’t the only one asking the questions I have pondered above. So with that said I will begin my investigation and get back to you all on what I find out. I think this will be a fun assignment.

In the meantime, here is a reminder; Stages for the 2012 USA Pro Challenge include:

• · Stage 1: Monday, August 20 – Durango to Telluride
• · Stage 2: Tuesday, August 21 – Montrose to Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte
• · Stage 3: Wednesday, August 22 – Gunnison to Aspen
• · Stage 4: Thursday, August 23 – Aspen to Beaver Creek
• · Stage 5: Friday, August 24 – Breckenridge to Colorado Springs
• · Stage 6: Saturday, August 25 – Golden to Boulder
• · Stage 7: Sunday, August 26 – Denver Individual Time Trial

~MTN Town Magazine

Photo Credit: MTN Town Magazine, US Pro Challenge (bottom image)

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