Plans For A USA Pro Challenge In 2016 Scrapped
DENVER (CBS4) – There won't be a USA Pro Challenge in Colorado this year as the transition to a new ownership group will not let the new organizers produce the event and achieve all the goals of the race.
"The timing and work involved in this endeavor does not allow us to produce the event in 2016 and achieve all the goals of our important stakeholders," USA Pro Challenge CEO Shawn Hunter said in a statement released Friday.
Hunter said they hope to bring the race back in 2017.
"While forming a new ownership group for the event, we have been focused on ensuring the longevity of the race, expanding its coverage, and aligning it with other United States cycling events and activities," Hunter said. "Building a solid platform of this type takes time and the efforts of many diverse stakeholders, and while we will not be conducting America's Race this year, we are diligently working to complete the necessary pieces for 2017."
The Pro Challenge has become a major biking event in Colorado, with hundreds of thousands of people lining the race routes across the state.
Dan Dwyer is on the local organizing committee for the race in Golden. He told CBS4's Jeff Todd he isn't surprised the race was canceled this year.
"Missing a year when you don't have all your ducks in a row, to me, makes the most sense to skip that year," Dwyer said.
Small towns like Lyons have seen thousands of people flood their streets to watch the cyclists race by. For co-owner of Pizza Bar 66 Lisa Paoletti, the Pro Challenge isn't exactly without its cons, such as road closures and traffic.
"In our little town, some of the things that can happen is there's a whole lot of traffic," Paoletti told CBS4's Kelly Werthmann. "That can either not have people come into our town or it will bring a lot of people to our town. A lot of the pro cycling spectators will stand on the sidewalk and watch, which is nice, but they don't always go inside. So, we get more business when the traffic is open."
Just like Paoletti will not lose any business with the cancellation of the Pro Challenge this year, Dwyer believes neither will the race.
"I don't think we'll lose anything," Dwyer said. "What'll happen is it'll amp up the desire for the race in 2017. I think it'll be greater than it has in the past."
Richard and Rick Schaden had been financing the race with their own money. They spent about $20 million to fund the race through its first five years.
Statement From Visit Denver
"The USA Pro Challenge is a world class sporting event that puts a global spotlight on Denver and Colorado, and generates millions of dollars in brand exposure for our city," said Richard Scharf, president and CEO for VISIT DENVER. "Sporting events like this are a huge economic driver for Denver and the state and we look forward to 2017 when the race returns."
Kelly Werthmann joined the CBS4 team in 2012 as the morning reporter, covering national stories like the Aurora Theater Shooting and devastating Colorado wildfires. She now reports for CBS4 News at 10 and is always open to story ideas. Connect with her on Facebook or Twitter @KellyCBS4.
(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
