Grand Junction Raises Over $98K To Host USA Pro Challenge

(AP Photo/Kevin Kreck)
<p>Tour de France winner Cadel Evans, of Australia, rides to a ninth-place finish in the prologue of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge Monday, Aug. 22, 2011, in Colorado Springs, Colo. </p>
Photo: USA Pro Cycling Challenge
Tour de France winner Cadel Evans, of Australia, rides to a ninth-place finish in the prologue of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge Monday, Aug. 22, 2011, in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Former professional cyclist Scott Mercier was one of the key organizers. He hopes the state-wide bike race will help spur the local economy.

"It's something that we can do to start branding ourselves as a community that's friendly for cycling, friendly for outdoor recreation and a great place to live and work," Mercier said.

The city council will vote Wednesday night on whether Grand Junction should be the starting point. The race itself has yet to secure new ownership or a lead sponsor. It's been held in August for the past five years.