DONATE
Blog

2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge

Unless you've been living out in the woods for a few months (and I don't doubt some of you might have…) you've heard about the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. Dubbed as "America's Race" it is quickly becoming a very popular summer attraction in Colorado. What I found out is that even though I wasn't the biggest cycling fan in the world a few years ago, I quickly became interested and intrigued in cycling because of this race.

Here's the basics you need to know for the start of tomorrow's race.

What: 2nd annual mega-awesome cycling "stage" race through Colorado

When: Sunday, August 20th- Sunday, August 26th

Where: Your backyard!! (If you live in Colorado!) Stage 1: Durango to Telluride, Stage 2: Montrose to Crested Butte, Stage 3: Gunnison to Aspen (The Queen Stage), Stage 4: Aspen to Beaver Creek, Stage 5: Breckenridge to Colorado Springs, Stage 6: Golden to Boulder and Stage 7: Time Trial in Denver.

Who: Only about 135 elite, professional riders on 16 teams including last years winner: Levi Leipheimer! As well as six of the top 13 2012 Tour de France finishers, including third place overall Vincenzo Nibali (Team Liquigas-Cannondale) and fifth place overall, Tejay van Garderen (Team BMC).

Teams:

UCI ProTeams (Team abbreviation/where from)

  • Astana Pro Team (AST/KAZAKHSTAN)
  • BMC Racing Team (BMC/USA)
  • Garmin-Sharp-Barracuda (GSB/USA)
  • Liquigas-Cannondale (LIQ/ITALY)
  • Omega Pharma-QuickStep (OPQ/BELGIUM)
  • RadioShack-Nissan-Trek (RNT/LUX)

 

UCI Professional Continental Teams

  • Champion System Pro Cycling Team (CSP/CHINA)
  • RusVelo (RUV/RUSSIA)
  • Team SpiderTech powered by C10 (CSM/CANADA)
  • Team Type 1-SANOFI (TT1/USA)
  • UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team (UHC/USA)

 

UCI Continental Teams

  • Bissell Pro Cycling (BPC/USA)
  • Bontrager Livestrong Team (BLS/USA)
  • EPM-UNE (UNE/COLUMBIA)
  • Optum Pro Cycling p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies (OPC/USA)
  • Team Exergy (XRG/USA)

Here are the basics you need to know when you go watch:

  • Go early. Especially in popular places like Garden of the Gods or downtown, Colorado Springs. Camp out, take shifts or better yet, if you know someone that owns property along the race route, bring them food and cold beer in exchange for you camping out.
  • Bring a bell. That's right, a BELL. Not just any bell, it's got to be a cowbell, you know "I've got a fever, and the only cure is more cowbell!" Cowbells and cycling go hand in hand like beer and 14ers.
  • Have your camera ready. These guys will be coming in FAST and there will usually be one or a few in front of the pack or the "peloton".
  • Bring the kids. Hell, bring the entire family. This is such an amazing event that should not be missed. You wont believe how FAST these guys fly around corners! What's that little Timmy? You think cycling is boring? Try this on for size, the average speed they hit going down a mountain pass is around 60mph on only ONE INCH OF RUBBER TIRES!!!! How's that for an adrenaline rush?! Throw in some of the tricky turns they'll hit in Manitou, Garden of the Gods and Downtown and I think we've got ourselves the most exciting stage of the entire race right here!

Above photo: No, it wasn't windy that day, that's just how FAST the cyclist was going past the lady in white.

Still want to learn more? Good! One of our board members and cyclist herself, Coach Nicole has some sweet slideshows for you to watch. Part 1, Part 2, Part3.

Want in on the action? Come to our Rally Ride on Wed. the 22nd starting at 5:45 from America the Beautiful Park, first 25 riders get a USA Pro Challenge SWAG bag full of cool stuff!

Race Day Action (Fri. 24th) in Colorado Springs:

Ride Stage 5 Criterium

Time: 11:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m.
Event Contact: 719-355-3573 nikki@kidsonbikes.net
Online Registration
Download Flyer
Ride a criterium around the USA Pro Challenge Stage 5 Finish downtown circuit on race day, your chance to ride the same route as the pro racers just before they fly through the Springs.
Competitive and fun categories (men’s, women’s, citizen’s, and fun ride).

 

Stage 5 Finish Festival

Time: 11:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m.
Event Contact: 719-355-3573 nikki@kidsonbikes.net
Party all day long in the Downtown Colorado Springs as we celebrate the USA Pro Challenge Stage 5 Finish! Includes live music with Funkiphino and Martini Shot, beer garden, a Kids' Zone, expo and food vendors, big-screen live coverage of the Finish, BMX demos, and more!

 

"Not-So-Pro" Cycling Challenge

Time: 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown on Tejon St. (between Pikes Peak Ave. & Kiowa St.)
Download Flyer
Come watch 12 teams of cyclists from downtown bars and businesses in a fun Pixie-style cycling race. Costumed riders and tricked-out kids’ bikes & trikes on a block-long obstacle course – including competitive eating & agility skill stops.

Stage 5 Finish After-Party

Time: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown
Don't miss out as we take our Stage 5 Finish activities into the night with food and drink specials at downtown venues and Martini Shot and Funkiphino live at Acacia Park!

 

Fireworks Display

Time: 9:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Destination: Downtown

And don't forget to WATCH the race!

Adventure On and Chapeau!

 

Back To Top