The 2013 USA Pro Challenge will stop in eight Colorado cities when it starts in Aspen on August 19 and ends in Denver on August 25, 2013. The USA Pro Challenge announced its host cities today, naming the communities that will serve as the starts and finishes for the third annual stage race.
After drawing more than 1 million fans in each of the first two years and generating nearly $200 million in cumulative economic impact for the State of Colorado, the USA Pro Challenge will make its debut in Fort Collins and Loveland in 2013 while returning to cities like Steamboat Springs, Vail and Denver.
The host cities and stages of the 2013 USA Pro Challenge include:
Monday, Aug. 19 Stage 1 Aspen/Snowmass Circuit
Tuesday, Aug. 20 Stage 2 Aspen/Snowmass – Breckenridge
Wednesday, Aug. 21 Stage 3 Breckenridge – Steamboat Springs
Thursday, Aug. 22 Stage 4 Steamboat Springs – Beaver Creek
Friday, Aug. 23 Stage 5/ITT Vail Time Trial
Saturday, Aug. 24 Stage 6 Loveland – Fort Collins
Sunday, Aug. 25 Stage 7 Denver Circuit
"Riders now know that there is no race in America like the USA Pro Challenge, and these host cities help ensure cycling’s world stage returns to Colorado for seven days of grueling competition,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO and Co-Chairman of the USA Pro Challenge. “Each of these communities will be on an international stage as we partner with them to ensure the USA Pro Challenge takes its place as America’s greatest race."
“When you combine the high-altitude climbs, the enthusiasm of the crowds and the level of competition, the USA Pro Challenge is one of my favorite race weeks," said Christian Vandevelde, the overall winner of the 2012 USA Pro Challenge. "I can’t wait to get back in 2013 and defend the title with my Garmin-Sharp teammates."
The two new cities joining the 2013 race – Fort Collins and Loveland.
"With the addition of Loveland and Fort Collins we are adding two cities that have built a community around the cycling culture,” Hunter said. “We are thrilled to incorporate their enthusiasm as we continue to showcase Colorado as the center of the nation’s cycling spirit."
Further details of the start and finish line locations, as well as the specific, detailed route, will be announced in the spring. A number of criteria were taken into consideration when evaluating potential host cities, including full city services support. The race also considered commitments in the areas of lodging, volunteer recruitment, marketing and local tourism.
"The USA Pro Challenge has created an entirely new audience for our state," Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper said. "Not only is it the best American competition, it’s essentially a week-long advertisement for our state with 128 of the best cyclists in the world acting as tour guides."