Durango, CO– On the heels of the Tour de France and the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, the 2012 USA Pro Challenge takes center stage from August 20 - 26, 2012. Durango, Colorado is the overall start of “America’s Race” that features 16 of the world’s best professional cycling teams, including Cadel Evans and Levi Leipheimer. Beginning August 16, Durango will celebrate the Overall Start with events, festivals and activities for cyclists, families and visitors.Durango2012.comhas a complete listing of the local events.
“The Overall Start week leading up to the race day of the USA Pro Challenge is a celebration for locals and visitors to be part of the race festivities,” stated Mary Monroe, co-chair of Durango’s Local Organizing Committee. “Durango is throwing a weeklong celebration, complete with art exhibits, autograph signings at local bike shops, citizen bicycle tours, Main Avenue Street Festivals, a fireworks show and more. Monday morning will be equally exciting with three in-town laps, including the first official sprint points of the race on Main Avenue, followed by a party in Buckley Park so fans can watch the race on the Jumbotron.”
“Let’s Get It Started” galaand team presentation tickets are now on sale at Durango2012.com. Hosted by celebrity announceres Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwen and local Durango hero Bob Roll, this intimate dinner on August 18th showcases the best of the best in cycling. The special evening, held in a private tented area on the rim of Fort Lewis College overlooking the beautiful La Plata Mountains, will be a grand kick off to a high caliber event. Lodging is still available for the week of the race and during the pre-race festivities. More information can be found atDurango2012.com/lodging.
About the USA Pro Challenge: 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 as they ascend over three mountain passes, each exceeding 12,000 ft. in elevation. After attracting more than 1 million spectators in 2011, making it one of the largest cycling events in U.S. history, the USA Pro Challenge is back for 2012. Featuring a challenging, 683-mile course with more than 42,000 ft. of vertical climbing, the second annual race will spotlight the world’s top professional cyclists and some of America’s most beautiful scenery.
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Contact: Anne Klein, Public Relations Specialist, Durango Area Tourism Office, 970-749-0991, anne@durango.org
