The USA Pro Cycling Challenge "will make a return next summer" after the inaugural event concluded yesterday in downtown Denver, according to Brian Gomez of the Colorado Springs GAZETTE. Race co-Chair & CEO Shawn Hunter on Saturday said that event organizers "have 'committed funding' for 2012 from race owners Rick and Richard Schaden, who have pumped $10 million into the inaugural competition." Hunter said that "roughly 1 million spectators will have watched over 508 miles across 11 Colorado cities." Attendance at the seven-day event was expected to make it the "largest spectator event in state history." Hunter said, "The crowds keep getting bigger and bigger. ... This race is (coming) back, and it's going to be here for the long term." Int'l Cycling Union President Pat McQuaid said there is a "possibility" the race might be expanded to include more Colorado cities. McQuaid: "There's nothing cast in stone that says you cannot do that. ... I hope the race can continue to grow and we can continue to see good, quality racing" (Colorado Springs GAZETTE, 8/28).
SUNDAY BEST: Organizers estimated that "more than 250,000 people turned out" for yesterday's final stage, in which U.S. cyclist Levi Leipheimer captured the title. Fans "lined up 5 to 10 deep along the entire route." Leipheimer said, "This race really raised the bar for American cycling" (REALVAIL.com, 8/28). Hunter said yesterday, "I just spoke to Steve Johnson, the president of USA Cycling. He said that was the largest spectator crowd at any stage in the history of American cycling." He added, "It will be bigger next year. We will start the planning tomorrow for 2012." Tour de France winner Cadel Evans said, "I haven't raced anywhere in my career where people were so appreciative of us being here" (DENVER POST, 8/29). In Colorado Springs, Nathan Van Dyne writes, "Professional cycling hasn't rolled through Colorado in 23 years. Apparently, it was missed." Leipheimer said, "I didn't expect this many people to come out" (Colorado Springs GAZETTE, 8/29). Cyclist George Hincapie before riding in yesterday's final stage tweeted, "Last stage of @USAProChallenge today. What a race its been so far. Colorado/USA cycling should be proud of the event."
