TELLURIDE FINISH FIRST STAGE OF 2012 PRO CYCLING CHALLENGE

09 Dec TELLURIDE FINISH FIRST STAGE OF 2012 PRO CYCLING CHALLENGE

Telluride has been announced as one of the host towns for the 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge. The first stage will start in Durango, climb over 10,200+ foot Lizard Head Pass, and down into Telluride (don’t forget the 2 mile climb out of Ophir Loop and the little one just before the final descent into Telluride that always kicks my butt).

Levi Leipheimer (Radio Shack) won in 2011, besting a host of the strongest international riders. According to a Jason Blevins article in the Denver Post, over a million fans lined the courses in 2011, bringing an economic benefit of $83.5 million to Colorado. In addition TV viewers in 161 countries witnessed the competition and the beauty of Colorado.

USA Pro Cycling Challenge Stages:

Monday, Aug. 20, Stage 1: Durango-Telluride

Tuesday, Aug. 21, Stage 2: Montrose-rested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte

Wednesday, Aug. 22, Stage 3: Gunnison-Aspen

Thursday, Aug. 23, Stage 4: Aspen-Beaver Creek

Friday, Aug. 24, Stage 5: Breckenridge-Colorado Springs

Saturday, Aug. 25, Stage 6: Golden-Boulder

Sunday, Aug. 26, Stage 7: Denver (Individual Time Trial)

Watch for more coverage of the 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge on Telluride Inside.. and Out. I’ve already applied for our press credentials!

2011 photos by Jesse James McTigue