USA Pro Challenge Boosts Tourism, Economy In Mountain Towns
BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. (CBS4)- The cyclists in the USA Pro Challenge are pedaling across Colorado's mountain towns this week as they race toward the finish line. But it's those stops between Aspen where the race kicked off and Denver where it all wraps up that are really making a difference.
Towns pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to be one of the stops along the USA Pro Challenge route. Breckenridge and Aspen are the only mountain towns to host the race every year it has been in Colorado.
"There are people having fun everywhere," said Breckenridge resident Sam Brede.
Jennifer McAtamney, a local organizer for Breckenridge, said hosting their race stop on Friday to kick off the weekend has brought a significant increase in lodging numbers.
"All week we've seen lots of cars with bike racks and people doing biking activities," said McAtamney. "There has been a great vibe in town all week."
Normally the race will bring a short one or two night bump in business. This year Breckenridge is looking to cash in throughout the entire weekend.
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"To have a weekday it just creates a fabulous weekend plus we've wrapped with Breck Bike Week so this is really a highlight," said McAtamney.
Visitors are enjoying the bicycle race.
"I love Colorado races," said visitor Jeanne Dross who traveled to Breckenridge from Albany, New York. "Great race. I love it as much as the Tour de France."
Dross will follow the race to Vail and then to Denver for the finish on Sunday.
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