USA Pro Challenge Unveils Host Cities for 2015

Race officials for the USA Pro Challenge, unveiled the host cities for their 2015 race today. 

The race will take place between August 17-23, and it will feature several changes over last year’s event, to include a new start location in  Steamboat Springs, new host communities like the Arapahoe Basin and Copper Mountain, along with an individual time trial set for the fifth stage.

However, perhaps the most exciting feature, is that race organizers will once again, allow fans to help choose the route for the 6th stage, by voting on the race’s website. 

“The start and finish cities for the 2015 USA Pro Challenge are going to create some unique challenges for the riders while also showcasing some of Colorado’s most beautiful regions to our worldwide audience,” said Rick Schaden, owner of the USA Pro Challenge. “We are always humbled by the amount of interest we receive from cities across the state that want to host the race and we feel confident that the partners we’ve selected this year will help us continue to raise the bar for professional cycling in America.”

Last year’s winner Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing), who’s also a Colorado resident, had this to say about next year’s route. 

“I am so happy to hear the USA Pro Challenge is going through Aspen again,” said van Garderen. “It is always great to be able to race in front of my family and close friends. Of course, I am curious to see the route they will pick and I am expecting it to be the most challenging route yet.”

2015 USA Pro Challenge route

Stage 1: Monday, August 17 – Steamboat Springs circuit race
Stage 2: Tuesday, August 18 – Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin
Stage 3: Wednesday, August 19 – Copper Mountain Resort to Aspen
Stage 4: Thursday, August 20 – Aspen to Breckenridge
Stage 5: Friday, August 21 – Breckenridge individual time trial
Stage 6: Saturday, August 22 – To be determined by fan vote
Stage 7: Sunday, August 23 – Golden to Denver

Last year, the USA Pro Challenge asked fans to pick the final stage route, which ultimately took the riders from Boulder to Golden and finished in downtown Denver. Organizers are again letting people have a say in the course. Fans will be able to help shape the race by voting on the stage 6 route (Deadline to vote: 11:59 p.m. MST, December 12).

“Last year we turned to our dedicated fans to help determine the route for the final stage of the Pro Challenge,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge. “The enthusiasm and valuable opinions that we received convinced us that we should look to our supporters again for their input on the 2015 race. We know our fans are passionate about the sport and we’re looking forward to hearing where they want Stage 6 to go.”