Smashburger, Clif Bar, Nissan, Colorado State University and FirstBank are all on board with this year’s USA Pro Challenge. The companies are Presenting Partners for the pro cycling race in Colorado, which is set to take place on 19-25 August.
As the professional riders participating in the 2013 USA Pro Challenge battle it out on the mountainous roads of Colorado, they will be competing for several coveted honours – the jerseys awarded to the overall leader, sprinter, climber, best young rider and most courageous rider. This year, the newly unveiled jerseys include updated, eye-catching designs that will help fans identify the current leaders – and the shirt sponsors – during the race.
In 2013, the official award jerseys are presented by a combination of returning and new partners. Colorado State University, Colorado-based FirstBank and Clif Bar join returning partners Smashburger and Nissan, who have been with the race since the inaugural year in 2011.
“These jerseys, and the partners presenting them, are a critical component to the USA Pro Challenge,” said Rick Schaden, owner of the race. “Bringing on partners of this calibre really show the growing interest in the race and helps us to create an unforgettable week.”
Sports apparel company Pearl Izumi, which has been the official technical apparel partner since the inaugural year, will produce the jerseys to be presented to riders who display exceptional skill in each stage of the race in the following categories:
Smashburger Leader Jersey
The Smashburger Leader Jersey is awarded to the rider with the lowest cumulative elapsed time over the duration of the race. Depending on each day’s results, the rider wearing the yellow leader jersey can change from stage to stage. Because the overall winner is based on lowest cumulative time, it is possible for a rider to win the Smashburger Leader Jersey without winning a daily stage.
Clif Bar Sprint Jersey
The Clif Bar Sprint Jersey is awarded to the rider that accumulates the most bonus points, which are given based on sprint line performances, as well as finishing the stage in the top 15 places. Cyclists who specialize in bursts of power and speed, or consistently finish near the top of each stage, will have the best chance to wear this respected green jersey.
Nissan King of the Mountains Jersey
The USA Pro Challenge features some of the most demanding mountain terrain in professional cycling, reaching higher elevations than any other race. The cyclist who proves to be the strongest climber through steep grades at designated Nissan King of the Mountain (KOM) locations will ultimately win this jersey. The first three cyclists to reach the top on rated climbs receive points toward this award.
FirstBank Most Courageous Rider Jersey
Each stage of the competition will present countless obstacles for the cyclists. The rider who best tackles the challenges of the day and exemplifies the spirit of the sport – courage, sacrifice, inspiration, determination and perseverance – will be awarded the FirstBank Most Courageous Rider jersey.
Colorado State University Best Young Rider Jersey
A plethora of young talent will take to the roads to tackle the USA Pro Challenge. These up-and-comers will compete for the distinction of wearing the Best Young Rider Jersey, which will be awarded to the rider under 23 years old that has the lowest cumulative elapsed time over the duration of the race. New to the race, Colorado State University (CSU) is the official higher education partner and as such, will present the award to this emerging talent.
“Like the USA Pro Challenge, Colorado State University’s high-quality academic and research programs touch every corner of our beautiful state and have a global reach,” said Tom Milligan, CSU Vice President for External Relations.
“Just as the wearer of this CSU Best Young Rider Jersey represents the future of cycling, our students represent the next generation of statewide, national and international leaders in business, science, the arts and more.”
“The jerseys are a time-honored tradition in professional cycling,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge. “Each jersey carries a special meaning and each partner presenting it at the USA Pro Challenge plays a critical role in celebrating these amazing athletes for their incredible effort on the road.”
Referred to as ‘America’s Race’, the USA Pro Challenge will travel through eight host cities from Aspen to Denver. For seven consecutive days, the world’s top athletes race through the majestic Colorado Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they’ve ever had to endure.
After attracting more than 1 million spectators in 2012, making it one of the largest cycling events in US history and the largest spectator event in the history of the state, the USA Pro Challenge is back for 2013. Featuring a challenging 600-mile course, the third annual race will spotlight the best of the best in professional cycling and some of America’s most beautiful scenery.
