The 2014 edition of the USA Pro Challenge stage race will feature a mountain top finish on Monarch Mountain, a ski resort west of Salida, Colo., in the center of the state.
On Monday the organizers of the race — considered the second most prestigious stage race in the U.S. after the Amgen Tour of California — announced the start and finish host cities for the first six stages. They are letting fans vote to help choose the last stage's host communities from among four choices in the Denver area.
"The host cities selected for the 2014 USA Pro Challenge will really highlight the majestic beauty of Colorado to our worldwide audience," said Rick Schaden, owner of the USA Pro Challenge. "These cities are valued partners who help us continue to raise the bar for professional cycling in America."
The host cities and stages of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge include:
Stage 1: Monday, Aug. 18 – Aspen Circuit Race Stage 2: Tuesday, Aug. 19 – Aspen to Mt. Crested Butte Stage 3: Wednesday, Aug. 20 – Gunnison to Monarch Mountain (mountaintop finish) Stage 4: Thursday, Aug. 21 – Colorado Springs Circuit Race Stage 5: Friday, Aug. 22 – Woodland Park to Breckenridge Stage 6: Saturday, Aug. 23 – Vail Individual Time Trial
As for the final stage, fans can log on to www.prochallenge.com/PickStage7 and give their opinion on four options. The options are: a Denver Circuit Race similar to the final stage of the 2013 race; a start in Golden and finish in Denver; a start in Boulder and finish in Denver; or a start in Boulder and finish in Golden.
Unless the organization decides on the Boulder start option, the 2014 edition will largely stay away from the areas of Colorado most affected by September's floods. Communities north of Boulder recently decided not to bid on hosting the race, saying they needed to focus on rebuilding roads first. Some Boulder officials have urged the city to bid for a start, but not a finish or a circuit in 2014, for the same reason.
While the race has included uphill finishes in the past, and has passed over Monarch Pass on Route 50 in previous editions, the planned finish at Monarch is the most difficult final climb yet. The top of the pass, which is also the base of the ski area, is at 10,700 feet elevation.
