DURANGO, Colo., Aug. 8, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the heels of the Tour de France and the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, the 2012 USA Pro Challenge takes center stage from August 20 - 26, 2012. Durango, Colorado is the overall start of "America's Race" that features 16 of the world's best professional cycling teams, including Cadel Evans and Levi Leipheimer. Beginning August 16, Durango will celebrate the Overall Start with events, festivals and activities for cyclists, families and visitors. Durango2012.com has a complete listing of the local events.
"The Overall Start week leading up to the race day of the USA Pro Challenge is a celebration for locals and visitors to be part of the race festivities," stated Mary Monroe, co-chair of Durango's Local Organizing Committee. "Durango is throwing a weeklong celebration, complete with art exhibits, autograph signings at local bike shops, citizen bicycle tours, Main Avenue Street Festivals, a fireworks show and more. Monday morning will be equally exciting with three in-town laps, including the first official sprint points of the race on Main Avenue, followed by a party in Buckley Park so fans can watch the race on the Jumbotron."
"Let's Get It Started" gala and team presentation tickets are now on sale at Durango2012.com. Hosted by celebrity announcers Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwen and local Durango hero Bob Roll, this intimate dinner on August 18th showcases the best of the best in cycling. The special evening, held in a private tented area on the rim of Fort Lewis College overlooking the beautiful La Plata Mountains, will be a grand kick off to a high caliber event. Lodging is still available for the week of the race and during the pre-race festivities. More information can be found at Durango2012.com/lodging.
About the USA Pro Challenge: For seven consecutive days, the world's top athletes race through the majestic Colorado Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they've ever had to endure as they ascend over three mountain passes, each exceeding 12,000 ft. in elevation. After attracting more than 1 million spectators in 2011, making it one of the largest cycling events in U.S. history, the USA Pro Challenge is back for 2012. Featuring a challenging, 683-mile course with more than 42,000 ft. of vertical climbing, the second annual race will spotlight the world's top professional cyclists and some of America's most beautiful scenery.
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USA Pro Cycling Challenge Durango Events
THURSDAY AUG. 16 |
Tutu to Brew |
Buckley Park/Ska Brewing |
5:30-8:00pm |
The Bicycle Men |
Durango Art Center |
Showtime: 7:00pm |
True West Railfest |
Outdoor Movie |
A Ticket to Tomahawk |
Train Depot: 8:30pm |
FRIDAY AUG. 17 |
Sculpture Dedication |
Florida Rd/Chapman Hill 3:00pm |
Community |
Grand Open House |
Downtown Durango |
5:00-9:00pm |
The Bicycle Men |
Durango Art Center |
Showtime: 5:00pm |
True West Railfest |
Outdoor Movie |
Butch Cassidy & the |
Sundance Kid |
Train Depot: 8:30pm |
SATURDAY AUG. 18 |
Start Festival |
Fort Lewis College |
11:00am-6:00pm |
It's A Real Butte: Mountain |
Bike Race and Trail Run |
Twin Buttes |
Register at Trails2000.org |
7:00am-3:00pm |
Kids Bike Rodeo |
Fort Lewis College |
Time: 12:00pm -3:00pm |
True West Railfest |
Quick Draw & |
Western Vendors |
Train Depot: 9:00am-4:00pm |
The Bicycle Men |
Durango Art Center |
Showtime: 5:00pm |
Gala |
Fort Lewis College |
5:00 |
SUNDAY AUG. 19 |
Start Festival |
Fort Lewis College |
11:00am-4:00pm |
Pro Challenge Experience |
Downtown Durango |
Durango Mountain Resort |
Time: 7:00am |
True West Railfest Quick |
Draw & Western Vendors |
Train Depot: 9:00am-3:00pm |
The Bicycle Men |
Durango Art Center |
Showtime: 2:00pm |
Downtown Durango |
Street Party |
Downtown Durango |
4:00-9:00pm |
The Bicycle Men |
Durango Art Center |
Showtime: 7:00pm |
MONDAY AUG. 20 |
Race Day Start Festival |
Buckley Park |
7:00am-5:00pm |
Opening Ceremonies |
Downtown Durango |
8:00am |
Race Start |
Downtown Durango |
10:00am |
Contact: |
Anne Klein |
Anne@Durango.org, 970-749-0991 |
Kim Oyler koyler@durangomountain.com, 970-749-2086 |
Durango2012.com |
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