Encouraging sign for top new American stage race
With this year’s first running of the event perceived to be a major success, particularly in terms of the quality of racing plus the massive spectator turnout, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge has secured the imagination and the interest of the host towns in the area.
According to the local Denver Post, 28 Colorado towns have expressed a possible desire to host stages in next year’s race. This number comprises only those who did not do so in 2011, reflecting new interest, while eleven towns who hosted the race in August also want to be considered.
The news is a major plus for the organisers, both as a barometer of how the race has been perceived and also because it gives them a wide range of route options when planning the 2012 event.
Three of the new towns are Boulder, Grand Junction and Durango, which have a strong cycling connection and featured in the race’s predecessor, the Coors Classic. The newspaper names the other would-be debut hosting towns, saying that Alamosa, Cañon City, Castle Rock, Crested Butte, Delta, Estes Park, Evergreen, Fort Collins, Frisco, Glenwood Springs, Granby, Greeley, Idaho Springs, Lake City, Longmont, Loveland, Montrose, Morgul Bismark/Superior, Morrison, Ouray, Pagosa Springs, Pueblo, Telluride, Winter Park Resort and Woodland Park had all expressed an interest.
Those which want to renew are Colorado Springs, Salida, Gunnison, Aspen, Crested Butte/Mount Crested Butte, Vail, Breckenridge, Avon, Steamboat Springs, Golden and Denver.
Hosting the race costs the towns in question approximately $250,000, said Chris Brown, a member of Grand Junction’s organizing committee. He said that even with the tough economic climate, the returns far outweigh the outlays.
“We’re told that in the Tour of California, some towns had a 6-1 dollar ratio,” he told the newspaper. “Every dollar they spent, they saw $6 come in. That’s hard to confirm. But after this race went through Salida and Gunnison, those towns are champing at the bit to get back.”
Next year’s route should feature an uphill finish, according to USA Pro Cycling Challenge CEO Shawn Hunter. One of those being considered is the famed Mount Evans, well known to riders in the area plus the professionals who have competed there before.
He also stated that Boulder is making a big effort to get on board for 2012.
Those towns who wish to host the race must lodge their applications toward the end of next month. The confirmed hosts will then be announced in mid-November.
Team RadioShack’s Levi Leipheimer won this year’s event, narrowly edging out Garmin-Cervélo rider Christian Vande Velde and Tejay Van Garderen (HTC Highroad).