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Cycling races partner to boost young riders |
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Thursday, February 02, 2012 08:30 |
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Nate Wilson wins the Morgul Bismarck circuit race at the Superior Morgul Classic in May 2011. Marty Caivano, Daily Camera
Not long ago I shared news that the Superior Morgul Classic was getting a boost of support from outside the town of Superior. After all, last spring's race attracted nearly 1,000 cyclists and 5,000 spectators. Wow!
Now, the Morgul is teaming with the USA Pro Cycling Challenge to help build support of amateur racing with hopes of fostering the next level of professional riders.
The revived Morgul Classic, scheduled May 18-20, will follow an omnium format, featuring three events – time trial, criterium and road race. Staged along part of the route from the historic Coors Classic, the race provides amateur riders with the opportunity to get a taste of the cycling action that will hit Colorado when the pros descend for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge Aug. 20-26.
“When it comes to the Colorado endurance scene there’s no mistaking that cycling is on the rise,” said Lance Panigutti from Superior Morgul Classic in a news release. “Everywhere you turn, new high-profile events are popping up for amateurs and non-competitive cyclists. These events combined with the USA Pro Challenge are helping us to re-establish Colorado as the cycling capital of the U.S.”
The marquee stage of the 2012 three-day event, Sunday’s Morgul Bismarck, features a finish on “the wall,” a climb known for the suffering it inflicts. It will be known as the “USA Pro Challenge King of the Mountain,” with the overall Pro/1/2 male and female winners being awarded an honorary USA Pro Challenge jersey. Additionally, the winners will be invited to the USA Pro Challenge in Denver to ride the same time trial as the world’s elite cyclists.
“It has always been the goal of the USA Pro Challenge to help build a following for cycling within the U.S,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge. “Through the Superior Morgul we are able to support the legacy of stage racing in Colorado and foster the growth of the next generation of pro riders.”
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