Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper proclaimed the third week of August 2012 as Colorado Cycling Holiday to honor the 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge, which announced last week the cities that will host the road race that debuted earlier this year.


“The USA Pro Challenge was an event that shined an international spotlight on Colorado,” said Gov. Hickenlooper. “Any expectations we had for success were surpassed ten-fold. We want race week each August to be known as Colorado Cycling Holiday to attract visitors from all over the world and to celebrate Colorado, good health and cycling.”

Colorado tourism director Al White presented the official proclamation bearing the Colorado state seal to CEO of the USA Pro Challenge Shawn Hunter at an event set to celebrate the host cities of the 2012 race.


“This race means so much to us, and to know the USA Pro Cycling Challenge is being recognized and celebrated by people throughout the state is such an honor,” said Hunter. “Fans came out to watch the race in droves this past August and we hope that enthusiasm continues into 2012 and beyond.”


After drawing more than 1 million fans and producing $83.5 million of economic activity in the inaugural year, the 2012 race is returning to 12 host cities over the course of seven days from August 20-26, 2012.


The host cities for the 2012 USA Pro Challenge include:



  • Monday, Aug. 20:  Stage 1, Durango – Telluride 

  • Tuesday, Aug. 21: Stage 2, Montrose – Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte

  • Wednesday, Aug. 22: Stage 3, Gunnison – Aspen 

  • Thursday, Aug. 23: Stage 4, Aspen – Beaver Creek/Vail Valley 

  • Friday, Aug. 24: Stage 5, Breckenridge – Colorado Springs 

  • Saturday, Aug. 25: Stage 6, Golden – Boulder

  • Sunday, Aug. 26: Stage 7/ITT, Denver


About the USA Pro Cycling Challenge


For seven consecutive days, the world’s top athletes race through the majestic Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they’ve ever had to endure – more than two miles in elevation. One of the largest cycling events in United States history, the 2012 race will feature the best of the best in professional cycling, competing on a challenging course through some of America’s most beautiful scenery.


Referred to as “America’s Race,” the second annual USA Pro Cycling Challenge will take place August 20-26, 2012. More than 1 million spectators are expected to once again line the route to see if Levi Leipheimer will defend his title as winner of the 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge, while millions more around the world will watch the race on television and online through the Tour Tracker.