USA Pro Cycling Challenge organizers announced the 2013 stage-race host cities over the holiday weekend, going back to its Front Range and Central Rockies roots.
“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. “With the addition of Loveland and Fort Collins we are adding two cities that have built a community around the cycling culture. We are thrilled to incorporate their enthusiasm as we continue to showcase Colorado as the center of the nation’s cycling spirit.”
The race is in its third year, and the 2013 race will start with a circuit race near Aspen, CO, and conclude with a circuit in Denver. Organizers kept the route compact compared to the two prior editions, without a visit to Southern Colorado, Boulder or the Crested Butte/Gunnison region. The race will make its first visit to the Front Range communities of Loveland and Fort Collins. Organizers did not release specific routes for the stages at this time. Last year several host cities greatly overestimated fan turnout and Boulder and Telluride both lost several million dollars hosting the race. This year’s condensed route appears to promise improved fan turnout and race facilitation. The estimated economic impact of the race to the State of Colorado in 2012 was $99.6 million, according to a study done by IFM North America, a global sports research firm.
Start and finish host communities are as follows:
Monday, Aug. 19, Stage 1 (Circuit) Aspen/Snowmass
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
Saturday, Aug. 24, Stage 6 Loveland-Fort Collins
Sunday, Aug. 25, Stage 7 (Circuit) Denver
