USA Pro Cycling Challenge Announces Dates for 2012 Race- Bids for Host Cities is Open

After a successful inaugural year, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge will be back in 2012 for seven days of challenging cycling from August 20-26.  Race organizers have already begun planning for the 2012 race.  An official Request for Proposals for cities across Colorado to apply to be a 2012 Host City will be issued at the end of the month.

The Host City RFP document provides an overview of the expectations of the host community from an operational, technical and support standpoint, as well as the structure of a Local Organizing Committee (LOC).  The LOC is an important contributor to the success of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, at the local, statewide and international level, as this committee helps plan and facilitate the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in each host community.

The USA Pro Cycling Challenge considers a number of criteria when evaluating a potential host city, which at a minimum includes full city services support.  The race also considers commitments in the areas of lodging, volunteer recruitment, marketing and local tourism.

In return, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge supports in-bound tourism efforts, attracting spectators from all over the world to stay, shop and dine in the host communities.  Each host city receives significant exposure in all marketing and promotions of the race, providing the host community the opportunity to showcase and promote their destination to visitors both domestically and abroad.

In November of 2010, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge named 11 host cities for the inaugural race in August 2011.  Those cities included Colorado Springs, Salida, Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte, Gunnison, Aspen, Vail, Avon, Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge, Golden and Denver.  All 11 of these cities have expressed interest in returning as a host city in 2012, demonstrating the positive economic impact and global exposure the USA Pro Cycling Challenge brought to communities across the state this year.

“The 2011 host cities were our earliest and most significant supporters.  We are deeply grateful for that,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.  “Now our attention turns to 2012.  We are proud of the postcard we have created for Colorado with this race and are excited to offer the opportunity for other cities to also be showcased to a worldwide audience.  So while our loyalty is with the cities who stepped up as early supporters, the field is wide open for which communities might be a host city in 2012.”

The request for proposals will be posted online at the end of September at www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com as well as sent directly to numerous Colorado cities who have expressed interest.  Proposals are due on October 31, and an announcement will be made by the end of November to name the next host cities for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

About the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

For seven consecutive days, 135 of the world’s top athletes raced across 518 miles through the majestic Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they ever had to endure, more than two miles in elevation.  It featured the best of the best in professional cycling, competing on a challenging course through some of America’s most beautiful scenery, including cities such as Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge and Steamboat Springs.

Referred to as “America’s Race” the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge took place August 22-28, 2011.  Nearly 1 million spectators viewed this race from the roadsides along the route while more than 25 million watched the race on television in 161 countries and territories, including NBC and Versus.  The USA Pro Cycling Challenge was one of the largest cycling events in United States history.

Spectators of the race saw Olympians, World Champions and the Tour de France podium winners Cadel Evans, Andy Schleck and Frank Schleck.  Fans worldwide had access to the competition and riders like never before with the most advanced, interactive online, Smartphone and broadcast television experience presented to date in professional cycling.

On the final day, Levi Leipheimer of Team RadioShack was awarded the Quiznos Leader Jersey and crowned the first-ever champion of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in front of a monumental crowd in downtown Denver.   Elia Viviani took the Smashburger Sprint Jersey, Tejay Van Garderen the Sheets Best Young Rider Jersey, Rafael Montiel captured the Nissan King of the Mountain Jersey and the Exergy Most Aggressive Rider Jersey of the final stage went to Timmy Duggan.

More information can be found on the website www.USAprocyclingchallenge.comand Twitter page @USAProChallenge.