2013 USA Pro Challenge Route

[The GCW]

Looks like another good race.

It misses the afternoon climb over Independence Pass, which has been a good party. Still climbs it in the morning on the way to Breck. It's nice to see an overnight in Breck with a finish and a start.

USA Pro Challenge will visit eight Colorado cities
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/usa-pro-challenge-will-visit-eight-colorado-cities

 

[dolophonic]

Looks like they are making a major mistake skipping the Boulder/Flagstaff stage. What are these race promoters thinking. TOC skipped their signature stage the Baldy stage was fantastic.
If its just about $$ these races will fade away pronto.

 

[biokemguy]

Boulder city council didn't want the race. I bet the promoters would have gone back that way if the city had been behind it.

 

[mewmewmew13]

Boulder city council didn't want the race. I bet the promoters would have gone back that way if the city had been behind it.

It will come back... I think they just wanted a break this year...

 

[avanti]

It will come back... I think they just wanted a break this year...

That is what the US Pro Tour race director stated from the podium at the recent Boulder Cross race.

 

[Afrank]

Full route details announced http://usaprocyclingchallenge.com/2013-route

Key stages look to be stage 2

Stage 4

And stage 5

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

wow what a s*** route. will be decided in the timetrial and nothing else.

 

[9000ft]

wow what a s*** route. will be decided in the timetrial and nothing else.

Stage 2 and 4 have the potential to create some significant gaps. The Vail Pass TT may or may not be the decisive stage. It would be nice if at least one of the last two stages weren't almost guaranteed to be bunch sprints but overall, there are some good additions.

 

[babastooey]

I know I've asked this before, but what is preventing them from having a Pike's Peak mountaintop finish?

 

[DominicDecoco]

The annual spectator freak show, eh..

 

[Ferminal]

Doesn't look great.

The pass through the back of Beaver creak will be the most selective?

 

[Lupetto]

The familiar battleground of Independence Pass will be anything but easy as riders ascend the 12,000 ft climb, the highest point reached in any professional cycling race.

 

[Michele]

The annual spectator freak show, eh..

xxxxxxxxxx

 

[trevim]

I wonder if the Worlds contenders have already realized that Vuelta is the best way to prepare or if they still want to pull off the 2nd option riding Canadian races, Utah and Colorado.
Nice race by the way, just annoys it takes the media spotlight of other historic races.

 

[Afrank]

Teams have been announced (might as well make this the official thread for the race BTW)

Normally I don't like Sky, but I'm really glad they will be going. Dombrowski can do very well here I think. Also good to see the Bontrager youngsters at another big race. Colombia too, they should do well.

UCI ProTeams
BMC Racing Team (USA)
Cannondale Pro Cycling (Ita)
RadioShack Leopard (Lux)
Sky Procycling (GBr)
Team Argos-Shimano (Ned)
Team Garmin-Sharp (USA)
Team Saxo-Tinkoff (Den)

UCI Professional Continental Teams
Champion System Pro Cycling Team (Chn)
UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team (USA)
Team Novo Nordisk (USA)
Colombia (Col)

UCI Continental Teams
Bissell Pro Cycling (USA)
Bontrager Cycling Team (USA)
Optum Presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies (USA)
Jelly Belly p/b Kenda (USA)
Jamis-Hagens Berman p/b Sutter Home (USA)

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/usa-pro-challenge-announces-16-team-field

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

Poor man's Tour of Utah.

 

[nick101]

a stage up pikes peak would be amazing