Pikes Peak Region Trail Finder

By John Henderson, The Denver Post

The USA Pro Cycling Challenge has named 28 additional cities that have indicated an interest in hosting next year's race, set for Aug. 20-26.

That's in addition to the 11 cities, including Colorado Springs, that took part in the inaugural race in August.

Also interested in taking part in 2012 are: Alamosa, Boulder, Cañon City, Castle Rock, Copper Mountain, Delta, Durango, Estes Park, Evergreen, Fort Collins, Frisco, Glenwood Springs, Granby, Grand Junction, Greeley, Idaho Springs, Lake City, Longmont, Loveland, Montrose, Morgul Bismark/Superior, Morrison, Ouray, Pagosa Springs, Pueblo, Telluride, Winter Park Resort and Woodland Park.

Boulder, one of the most popular cycling cities in Colorado, declined to host a stage this year as the dates conflicted with the move-in dates for students at the University of Colorado.

A Request for Proposal, in which cities can make formal applications, will be issued at the end of this month. The host cities will be announced at the end of November.

In a statement, race co-chairman and CEO Shawn Hunter said, "The 2011 host cities were our earliest and most significant supporters.  We are deeply grateful for that.  Now are attention turns to 2012.

"We are proud of the postcard we have created for Colorado with this race and are excited to offer the opportunity for other cities to also be showcased to a worldwide audience. So while our loyalty is with the cities who stepped up as early supporters, the field is wide open for which communities might be a host city in 2012."

Breckenridge, Copper Mountain Resort and Frisco were invited to submit proposals, said Allison Johnson, spokeswoman for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

Grand Junction officials say they're ready to submit various routes for the 2012 race.