Thursday, May 23, 2013
Friday, July 27, 2012
Sports Bring on the USA Pro Cycling cowbell!
Posted by Kirsten Akens on Fri, Jul 27, 2012 at 10:46 AM
Last night Chris Jenkins, president of the Pikes Peak Cycling Society, kicked off the local 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge season with some festivities at Carmichael Training Systems.
- Kirsten Akens
- Chris Jenkins, left, chats with John Crandall, Old Town Bike Shop owner, at the USA Pro Cycling Challenge kickoff.
The event, in its second year, will cross the state between Aug. 20 and 26, beginning in Durango and ending once again in Denver. Colorado Springs will host the finish of Stage 5 on Aug. 24, which will start that morning in Breckenridge and finish with three circuits around downtown that afternoon. While the riders are not expected to hit the Springs until 3 or 4 p.m., the downtown core will begin celebrating at 11 a.m. with music, an expo, the obligatory beer gardens and other activities.
- Kirsten Akens
- The Stage 5 map for Colorado Springs; click to enlarge.
In 2011, the Challenge brought $83 million to the state, and per Jenkins and others at the event, the community is ready for an even bigger year than last. So far, five of the top 10 riders at the 2012 Tour de France have confirmed that they will be in attendance. While TdF winner Bradley Wiggins has not yet confirmed, the Challenge is still in pursuit of the first Brit to win the Tour. "Wiggo" must first tackle winning gold for his country with his four road-racing teammates at the 2012 London Olympics tomorrow.
As for the Springs, the T-shirts are ready.
- Kirsten Akens
- Get ready to don your Colorado Springs Stage 5 tees.
As are the cowbells.
- Kirsten Akens
- More cowbell, please.
Now we just need the riders.
