Just following the announcement of the host cities for the 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper proclaimed the week of the race as the ‘Colorado Cycling Holiday’. Stating spectators, economic activity, the calibre of the athletes and the embodiment of Coloradans’ aspirations to be healthy as reasons for the proclamation, each year the week of the race will be recognized statewide as an honorary holiday.
“The USA Pro Challenge was an event that shined an international spotlight on Colorado,” said Governor Hickenlooper. “Any expectations we had for success were surpassed ten-fold. We want race week each August to be known as Colorado Cycling Holiday to attract visitors from all over the world and to celebrate Colorado, good health and cycling.”
Colorado Tourism Director Al White presented the official proclamation, bearing the Colorado state seal to CEO of the USA Pro Challenge Shawn Hunter at an event set to celebrate the host cities of the 2012 race.
“This race means so much to us, and to know the USA Pro Cycling Challenge is being recognized and celebrated by people throughout the state is such an honour,” said Hunter. “Fans came out to watch the race in droves this past August and we hope that enthusiasm continues into 2012 and beyond.”
After drawing more than 1 million fans and producing US$83.5 million of economic activity in the inaugural year, the 2012 race is returning to 12 host cities over the course of seven days from 20-26 August 2012.
The host cities for the 2012 USA Pro Challenge include:
- Monday, 20 August – Stage 1 : Durango – Telluride
- Tuesday, 21 August – Stage 2 : Montrose – Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte
- Wednesday, 22 August – Stage 3 : Gunnison – Aspen
- Thursday, 23 August – Stage 4 : Aspen – Beaver Creek/Vail Valley
- Friday, 24 August – Stage 5 : Breckenridge – Colorado Springs
- Saturday, 25 August – Stage 6 : Golden – Boulder
- Sunday, 26 August – Stage 7/ITT : Denver
