World-class Cycling in Colorado Springs: The USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

The USA Pro Challenge Race is returning to Colorado Springs for its second run, and this year even bigger than last year. After hosting the Pro Challenge Prologue in August 2011, the Springs will host the Stage 5 finish, taking cyclists from Breckenridge to the Springs, on Friday, August 24. The riders are expected to enter city limits around 3 pm, with the finish downtown around 4 pm.

The Pro Challenge race itself travels through twelve host cities from Durango to Denver August 20-26 and covers a challenging, 683-mile course across the Colorado Rockies with over 42,000 feet of vertical climbing over three mountain passes. The race attracted more than one million spectators in 2011, making it one of the largest cycling events in U.S. history.

Stage 5 will celebrate the USA Pro Challenge with an entire week of ancillary events leading up to the big Stage 5 finish on Friday, August 24. Block off August 18-24 on your calendar to attend nightly rally parties, a criterium on the Stage 5 circuit, a “Fun Ride” with USA Cycling, arts and entertainment events, and a Stage 5 after-party at the Antlers Hilton Pavilion. The week will include numerous give-aways and contests; the more events you attend, the more prizes you will receive!

Aside from Colorado Springs, the race will visit nine other official stage start and finish communities on the following dates:

August 20 – Stage 1 Durango to Telluride

August 21 – Stage 2 Montrose to Crested Butte

August 22 – Stage 3 Gunnison to Aspen

August 23 – Stage 4 Aspen to Beaver Creek

August 24 – Stage 5 Breckenridge to Colorado Springs

August 25 – Stage 6 Golden to Boulder

August 26 – Stage 7 Denver

Stage 5 Preview

Event Tickets:

Free event, VIP tickets available at www.tickethorse.com/event/stage-5-finish-colorado-springs/1169

Event Contact:

The Colorado Springs Sports Corporation, 719-634-7333, procycling@thesportscorp.org

For More Information:

Visit www.RideStage5.com for more information and to sign up for the RideStage5 bi-weekly newsletter, your one-stop source for race news, ancillary events details, and other cycling enthusiast goodies.

“Fun Ride” with USA Cycling:

USA Cycling will host the Pro Challenge “Fun Ride” on Saturday, August 18 at 8:30 AM. Cycling fans will be able to experience a portion of the Pro Challenge course as part of a 20-mile ride throughout Colorado Springs, starting and finishing at the USA Cycling headquarters (210 USA Cycling Point, Suite 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80919). Lunch will follow the ride. Pre and On-Site Registration between $20 and $40. Visit www.usacycling.org/events/index.php?permit=2012-1903 to register.

Event Contact: 719-434-4200

Rally Week Rides:

Join with cyclists from across Colorado Springs for free, nightly rides starting Monday, August 20 leading up to the Stage 5 Finish. All rides start at 6:00 PM at America the Beautiful Park and end at a different downtown destination each night. Bike valet will be available.

Monday, Aug. 20	Fun Ride with Colorado Springs Cycling Club	Destination: Downtown Old Chicago
Tuesday, Aug. 21	Family Night with Kids on Bikes and USA Pro Challenge Ride	Destination: Both end at City Rock
Wednesday, Aug. 22	Cruiser Joy Ride with Upadowna	Destination: McCabe’s Tavern
Thursday, Aug. 23	Ladies Mountain Ride with Women’s Mountain Bike Association	Destination: The Mining Exchange Hotel
Saturday, Aug. 25	Community Ride	Destination: Blondies

Event Contact: 719-355-3573

Ride Stage 5 Criterium:

Ride a criterium around the USA Pro Challenge Stage 5 Finish downtown circuit on race day, your chance to ride the same route as the pro racers just before they fly through the Springs. 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, August 24. Competitive and fun categories (men’s, women’s, citizen’s, and fun ride). Registration through USA Cycling TBA.

To learn more about the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, visit www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com. For more information about Colorado Springs, order your Free Official Visitor Guide Today!