Tour of Colorado Springs could attract 2,000 cyclists in June
By R. SCOTT RAPPOLD
THE GAZETTE
Cycling advocates hope to launch an event called the Tour of Colorado Springs, which they hope would draw 1,500 to 2,000 cyclists to a course around the city’s perimeter June 30.
But they must first convince the city to provide as much as $89,000 in police, fire and traffic control, and some city officials had concerns Monday about putting up the money.
The event would not be a race, but riders would have devices to track their time on the course, which makes a 105-mile loop around the city, starting and ending downtown. There would also be 80- and 40-mile options. Riders would pay about $100 to take part.
It is being organized by Spectrum Marketing. The Gazette’s outdoors website, www.outtherecolorado.com, is a sponsor of the event.
Organizer David Whitaker told Colorado Springs City Council Monday he hopes to build on the momentum of having the USA Pro Cycling Challenge come through two years in a row and further cement the city’s reputation as a cycling destination.
“They’ll ride a truly outstanding course that will showcase our neighborhoods, our landmarks and championship course, our points of interest and the panoramic views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range,” Whitaker said.
Cyclists would start at 7 a.m. on Tejon Street, head south through the Broadmoor area, east across Fort Carson and Security/Widefield, north on Marksheffel Road to Black Forest, west through Gleneagle, across the Air Force Academy and Garden of the Gods and returning downtown.
It is modeled after “El Tour de Tucson,” which attracts more than 9,000 cyclists to that Arizona city annually.
Major intersections would be blocked off for the event but no roads would be closed, except for Tejon Street at the beginning and end. Organizers have asked the city to foot the bill for police and fire coverage and traffic control, as a way to support an event they say could mean $2 to $3 million for the local economy.
But the money wasn’t budgeted, and the idea of making an appropriation from the city’s general fund led to spirited debate.
“When it comes to the general fund, then what’s getting hit is my public safety, my streets and my transportation and that’s what my 450,000 people are telling me they want every single day, not 1,500 people for an event,” said Councilwoman Angela Dougan. She instead suggested organizers raise the entry fee by $20 to cover the costs.
Mayor Steve Bach said he supports helping it this year, but not in the future, and that the sales tax revenue the city receives from visitors won’t make up the difference.
Other council members called the race a boost for the city’s image.
“We’re trying to be the amateur sports capital of the United States and this just adds to that,” said Councilman Bernie Herpin. “If we’re in the business of running sports events to make money then we’re in the wrong business.”
“To not support you guys is unconscionable,” Councilman Tim Leigh told organizers.
A vote was scheduled for Tuesday , but council president Scott Hente postponed it for two weeks to give city officials time to refine a cost estimate and make a recommendation at the Feb. 28 formal council meeting.
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