DENVER, CO (BRAIN)—The Quiznos Pro Challenge has unveiled the stages, host cities and race format for the inaugural 2011 international pro-cycling competition.
Running from August 22-28, the event will be made up of seven stages, traveling through Colorado’s most picturesque landscapes and visiting 11 Colorado host cities, according to a press release. Created to be the most challenging pro-cycling race in American history, the Quiznos Pro Challenge is set to cover nearly 600 miles of the region’s demanding terrain.
The 120 world-class cyclists anticipated to participate in the seven-day race will begin their journey in beautiful Colorado Springs, then crisscross their way over the treacherous Rocky Mountains. The region’s unique topography will provide challenging climbs and extremely fast downhill legs with an awe-inspiring backdrop of several of the United States’ highest mountain peaks leading to the finish in Denver.
The 11 official stage start and finish communities that have been selected for the 2011 race include:
The 2011 Quiznos Pro Challenge Stages:
August 22 – Stage 1, Prologue time trial, Colorado Springs
August 23 – Stage 2, Salida to Crested Butte, mountain-top finish
August 24 – Stage 3, Gunnison to Aspen, mountain stage
August 25 – Stage 4, Vail, time trail, former Coors Classic stage
August 26 – Stage 5, Avon to Steamboat Springs
August 27 – Stage 6, Steamboat Springs to Breckenridge
August 28 – Stage 7, Golden to Denver
“We are excited to welcome sports fans and the international cycling community to many of Colorado’s most beautiful regions,” said governor Ritter. “The Quiznos Pro Challenge will provide a majestic tour of many of the state’s natural treasures while becoming the battleground for one of the world’s most intense competitions.”
