DENVER – The 11 host cities and race format for the inaugural Quiznos Pro Challenge cycling competition, scheduled for Aug. 22-28, were unveiled Thursday at the Colorado State Capitol, with Colorado Springs officially picked for the opening stage.
Event organizers anticipate the annual event, previously known as the Tour of Colorado, will attract the world’s top professional riders, designed to reinvigorate the legacy of the Coors International Bicycle Classic, held in Colorado from 1979 to 1988. The event will feature 120 riders competing over 600 miles.
There were 23 cities considered to host. Also selected were Aspen, Avon, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Denver, Golden, Gunnison, Salida, Steamboat Springs and Vail.
Experience Colorado Springs president Terry Sullivan estimated in August staging a leg would cost the Springs at least $150,000. Developed with help from seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, the race will assume a format almost identical to the Coors event, with a fan-friendly mix of mountain, sprint and downtown stages.
Colorado Governor Bill Ritter was on hand for the announcement. He was joined by avid cyclist and former Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe, as well as pro cyclists Tom Danielson, Tim Duggan and Rory Sutherland.
“Colorado is a great state for cycling,” Ritter said. “We should host a pro tour more than any other state in the United States. … We will be the premier stage race in America.”
Sharpe added, “This will be the pre-eminent cycling race in North America. … There’s no question this race will be here for a long, long, long time.”
