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Davis Phinney among cycling dignitaries to unveil USA Pro Cycling Challenge jerseys

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Created on Saturday, 16 July 2011 22:12

Written by USA Pro-Cycling Challenge

By Nathan Van Dyne, OutThereColorado.com

MORRISON -- Dale Stetina still remembers his first cycling race at high elevation. A young rider from Indiana, he arrived in Copper Mountain with loads of confidence. He left the ski resort short of breath, having learned firsthand what a difference a lack of oxygen can make. 

Altitude is the main reason Stetina believes top European riders will have their hands full next month when the USA Pro Cycling Challenge begins in Colorado Springs.

"Racing at altitude is so different," he said. "I had no idea what it was all about."

Prior to the start of that criterium, Stetina cruised through the streets of Copper Mountain, amazed at the lack of air resistance. Once the race began, he quickly got caught in the moment.

"There was an attack in the race, and I went really fast," Stetina recalled. "I said, 'This is great.' And about a minute later, I died and I never recovered for the next hour.

"I just couldn't breathe enough."

Stetina learned a lesson that day and soon became a star at high elevation. He claimed overall titles in 1979 and 1983 at America's first professional stage race, which evolved into the Coors Classic.

Now he's hoping the next generation of U.S. riders, which includes his son Peter, will enjoy success as a pro stage race returns to Colorado for the first time since Davis Phinney won the Coors Classic in 1988.

Stetina, Phinney and Ron Kiefel were among a group of longtime cycling enthusiasts who turned out Saturday morning at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre to witness the unveiling of jerseys for the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

More from jersey unveiling: Photo gallery ... video

"Stage racing in America was born here," said Shawn Hunter, co-chairman of the event. "I think it belongs here."

Hunter is headed to Europe later this week to watch the final three days of the Tour de France and to meet with some of the teams and riders who will compete in the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

While the team rosters won't be announced for a couple of weeks, Hunter maintains an elite field will compete in Colorado, noting "it's very possible that a podium finisher in France is going to win our race."

The race kicks off Aug. 22 in Colorado Springs with a prologue time trial that starts in Garden of the Gods and finishes downtown. The tour then heads to the high country for five stages, including the signature day that features a pair of 12,000-foot passes, before concluding in Denver Aug. 28.

"I don't think there's a better place than the Springs to kick this off," Hunter said. "Their local organizing committee under Chris Carmichael has done an amazing job. I think you're going to see the race go there for many years to come. It's one of the great days of the event. It will look good on national television."