Colorado Springs, Southern Colorado Not Among Planned 2013 Pro Challenge Stages

Colorado Springs is not along the route for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge cycling race. The city has hosted stages the past two years, but as with the rest of Southern Colorado, is not among the 2013 planned stages. KRCC’s Andrea Chalfin reports.

The race kicks off August 19th in Aspen, and moves though Breckenridge, Vail, and other cities. Loveland and Fort Collins are making their race debut before cyclists finish in Denver.

Chelsy Murphy with the Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau says the city did put in a bid, but accepts the process.

"We were so fortunate to be part of the inaugural race and last year’s race, but we do understand that this is supposed to be something that is shared throughout the state of Colorado and has different routes and showcases different destinations."

Murphy says there’s been talk of including portions of the Pikes Peak Highway in future races. Event organizers say the race has drawn over one million fans in each of the two previous events, generating nearly $200 million across the state.


The 2013 USA Pro Cycling Challenge host cities and stages:

Stage 1: August 19, Aspen/Snowmass Circuit
Stage 2: August 20, Aspen/Snowmass – Breckenridge
Stage 3: August 21, Breckenridge – Steamboat Springs
Stage 4: August 22, Steamboat Springs – Beaver Creek
Stage 5/ITT: August 23, Vail Time Trial
Stage 6: August 24, Loveland – Fort Collins
Stage 7: August 25, Denver Circuit