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USA Pro Cycling racers get 2 doses of Independence Pass |
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Friday, December 09, 2011 12:52 |
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George Hincapie of BMC Racing celebrates winning the Queen Stage of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Aspen last August. Aspen Times
By Ryan Slagaugh, The Aspen Times
ASPEN — Last summer, Aspen saw the best cyclists in the world rip down Independence Pass.
Next summer, fans will see how they do climbing up it.
On Thursday, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge made it official: Aspen not only will get Stage 3 in next year's international race, but Stage 4 also will start here.
Stage 3 — already famous for its dangerous speed and high-elevation climbs — will again start in Gunnison and end in downtown Aspen. The new Stage 4 route will take racers back up Independence Pass and through Leadville, ending in Beaver Creek.
Between the two events, Independence Pass is expected to be rocking.
Mayor Mick Ireland said race organizers liked Aspen's supporting events — the kids race, community race and zero-waste policies. He said the town will consider adding live music or other entertainment.
According to Ireland, Aspen will work to improve specific areas of last year's course, including the start and finish area.
Read more about Aspen's role in the 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge.
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