USA Pro Challenge To Offer Women's Race
DENVER (CBS4)- The USA Pro Challenge will offer an elite women's race this year which will take place over the course of three days in conjunction with the men's professional race.
The women, for the first time, will race on parts of the men's race course in Colorado this August and race daily for the same prize money as the men.
The three-day invitation-only event will kick off in Breckenridge Aug. 21, head to Fort Collins Aug. 22 and conclude in Golden Aug. 23, prior to the start of the last day of racing for the USA Pro Challenge.
This is the first time since 1988 that some of the best men and women in the world will be sharing courses at a major, international stage race in Colorado. The women's event is sanctioned by USA Cycling.
"We are very excited to support women's cycling in the U.S. and bring more of an awareness to these incredible athletes on a large stage in Colorado with world-class crowds," said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge. "The women bring an entirely new dynamic to our race and we are confident the fierce skills of these riders will impress and inspire all of our passionate fans."
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The women competing in the Women's USA Pro Challenge will include top national riders and Olympians. The women will race for the same prize money as the men and it will help lead the way for future equal winnings in races.
Former COO of USA Cycling and now USA Cycling board member, Sean Petty, will serve as the Race Director for the Women's USA Pro Challenge.
"There is a long legacy that some of the best female cyclists in the world are from the United States and many from right here in Colorado," said Sean Petty, Women's USA Pro Challenge Race Director. "Now, those riders get to showcase their incredible talent and exciting racing in front of the huge crowds the USA Pro Challenge attracts. It's a great opportunity for our women to have a 'home game.'"
Connie Carpenter-Phinney made history when she won the first women's Olympic road race in 1984. She has been a proponent of a women's USA Pro Challenge from the very beginning when she helped form the USA Pro Challenge in the inaugural year.
"This is great news for women's cycling that the USA Pro Challenge has added a women's division in 2015, which has been highly anticipated by the racers and the fans," said Carpenter-Phinney. "I know Colorado will embrace the women's race and 2015 will mark the start of a new era in women's racing!"
