Telluride, Colorado (PRWEB) July 10, 2012
World class competitors and professional cyclists are gearing up to take on the Rocky Mountains this August for the 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge. The 683 mile course that begins in Durango, CO and ends in Denver, CO will include long high-altitude climbs, fast sprint lines, and dramatic downhill finishes. Telluride is honored to host the Stage 1 Finish for this spectacular event that will broadcast worldwide. 135 of the world’s best riders will compete in this adrenaline packed event, said to be the country’s most difficult and most anticipated races. Spectators of last year’s inaugural race saw Olympians, World Champions, and Tour de France racers ride through the Rockies, and this year will be just as big.
For the first time, Telluride has been chosen as the final stop in the first stage of the 683 mile course. The 125 mile stretch from Durango to Telluride will prove to be one of the toughest stretches of the race. Riders will start at 6,512 feet above sea level and climb through the San Juan Mountains over Lizard Head Pass, at an elevation of 10,200 ft. From there, they will descend into the narrow streets of downtown Telluride. Nestled in a box canyon and surrounded by 13,000 ft. peaks, it’s a beautiful place to end the first day of cycling.
Come join the excitement on Main Street as fans cheer on the 2nd USA Pro Cycling race! Following will be live music by local artists at Telluride Town Park. Stick around until the end of the week and continue the summer celebration with the first annual KOTO Ride Festival (August 25th and 26th) featuring Ben Harper, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Los Lobos, JJ Grey and Mofro, North Mississippi Allstars and many more!