DENVER, CO (BRAIN)—Quiznos and Lance Armstrong have teamed up to bring international pro cycling back to Colorado.
The Quiznos Pro Challenge will be held August 22-28, 2011, according to a press release.
The event looks to reinvigorate the legacy of the Colorado-based Coors International Bicycle Classic, which stood as the pre-eminent international pro-cycling event in North America from 1979-1988.
Last year, Armstrong began working with Colorado Governor Bill Ritter to bring international pro cycling back to Colorado. “Lance and I were committed to bringing this stage race to fruition in 2011, and today’s announcement is a great victory for Colorado and the sport of cycling,” Ritter said.
Armstrong will be a partner in the Quiznos Pro Challenge, helping plan and execute the race. Full details regarding his role will be announced in the coming weeks.
“I’m very excited about the Quiznos Pro Challenge set for August 2011,” Armstrong said. “What started out as a daydream of mine on a long ride outside of Aspen will now become a reality. This race, although new, is already rich in history as is Colorado’s storied cycling background—a perfect way to honor our past champions and highlight our future ones.”
The world’s top professional cyclists and teams are expected to compete, including several North American teams. The seven-day race will likely include a mix of mountainous, sprint and downtown stages, highlighting the beauty of Colorado and its communities. Current plans would showcase Denver, the Colorado state capital, as either the start or finish location of the event with other host locations announced at a later date.
The Quiznos Pro Challenge will be sanctioned by USA Cycling and the International Cycling Union (UCI). The event will be managed by Medalist Sports.
(PHOTO: Quiznos chief communications officer Ellen Kramer, Lance Armstrong and Colorado Governor Bill Ritter).
