mindaugas

Watching Stage 18 today, and Phil (I believe) on Versus mentioned the cancel of the tour of missouri, very sad, but then said there may be a tour of colorado. Now I've heard that Lance had a meeting with our Gov Ritter (who is a cyclist, I think, at least he crashed one time and it was on the news). Armstrong also trains near Aspen or something. And with the history of the Coors Classic ...

I did some searching and couldn't find any info or rumors. Does anyone out there have some more information? I am freaking out imagining how awesome a pro tour would be here. All those passes and climbs, a TT in Denver. Thanks for any info/links!

SouthFLpix

I have not heard anything, but it would not surprise me. Cycling is pretty big in Colorado, although from what I understand mountain biking is the more popular discipline, at least among hobbyists.

merlinextraligh

Already had one. it was called the Red Zinger classic, then the Coors Classic.

gpsblake

yea, several US tours like the Tour De Georgia have been cancelled. Hopefully The tour of California will continue though. What I would like to see is a grand tour for the women that get proper sponsorship.

mindaugas

Rocky Mountains doesn't = mountain biking. Cycling in general is huge here, but there are a ton of road rides. Boulder ... Garmin ... Slipstream. Triple bypass, copper triangle, new deer creek challenge. oh, and assault the peak, first ever climb up pike's peak. but I'm prob way off, I don't MTB so I'm not on the single tracks or whatever to see them. I'm on the roads with the other serious cyclists.

mje

The news reported last fall that Armstrong and Ritter were discussing reviving the race, eg https://velonews.competitor.com/2009/...-classic_96554. Since then Ritter has announced he's not running for re-election, so there may not be much helpful clout from him any longer. There's been nothing in the news about it lately.

mindaugas

Yeah, I remember hearing about that and LA has a place in Aspen I think. Finishing stage on Mt Evans? A stage that blocks access to blackhawk because they're jerks.

RockyMtnMerlin

Charlie Weinbeck, who puts on the Fort Collins Cycling Festival (which includes the ACA Rist Canyon Hill Climb) has applied for an A level USAC crit for August 2010. Advertised purse for the crit is $25,000. The permit is in processing. IF that succeeds, he has indicated he will shoot for a big time stage race next year. We'll see.

RockyMtnMerlin

Velonews is now saying that the Colorado Stage race is a go for August or Sep of 2011. https://velonews.competitor.com/2010/...in-2011_132118 Gotta love those unnamed sources. I remember the last time something like this was going to happen up in Vail. Made reservations at a swanky place, researched good restaurants etc. Then they canceled the race about a month out. Wonder if this time it will actually go. FWIW the Rocky Mountain crit - a precursor for the stage race (I believe) - still does not have a permit from USAC.

jeffman

More confirmation from the Denver Post: https://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_15636598

sqharaway

I want a mountain-top finish on Mt. Evans! The top makes for a logistical nightmare but it would be so epic to take the pros up to 14,000'.

Shimagnolo

Yes!
Just like in "American Flyers"!
But perhaps w/o Echo Lake visible from the finish line.

jbman100

Hell I'd just like to see the race.

I can imagine my boss getting pissed at me for putting in the time off at the same time every year just like I do for scuba diving and skiing.

mindaugas

Anyway,

https://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_15636598

via twitter, OMFG this is real.

lancearmstrong
Denver! Join me & Gov Ritter @ the Capitol 4 an exciting announcement Wed @ 10am. Bring ur bike because we're ALL going for a ride after..

*oh, I didn't see updates to this, guess it wasn't emailing me. But anyway, more news.

mindaugas

TT / TTT in downtown Denver?

recon455

Velonews article of todays announcement:

https://velonews.competitor.com/2010/...ge-race_132692

Exciting

recon455

wut

kleinboogie

HS, this is awesome. Lance, et al, brings another stage race to the states. He rocks. I may travel up from San Diego to watch some of that. Wondering how many stage races Floyd has helped bring to life?

RockyMtnMerlin

And if Armstrong does wind up indicted for something related to doping, bye , bye sponsor. The news is getting worse for him daily.

mindaugas

This race is above Lance, he just brought the idea and made the announcement. No telling if he will even race. This is the Lance Armstrong Pro Challenge. Indicted, doping, or not, it won't have an impact on the race.

The real question is, can we get some pro Europe teams to cross the atlantic AFTER the TDF? Should at least see Garmin, Shack, and BMC ... Tour to begin or end in Denver. yay!

mindaugas

I took some video of LA's speech as well if anyone wants to watch it. Bare in mind I am no camera man and this was with a little digi-cam.

Bit of Ritter's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SInqDfQeBs

Lance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqd_-AhnPpE

RockyMtnMerlin

Well, we'll see if Quiznos agrees with you when and if he is indicted. Here is what Bicycle Retailer says about his role in the race.
"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'll guarantee you that Quiznos et al see him and his name as the big draw.