Use of a helicopter to film pro bicyclists screaming down Independence Pass and into Aspen this summer received an informal go-ahead from Pitkin County commissioners Wednesday.
Public safety during the Quiznos Pro Challenge in August emerged as the bigger issue in the nearly two-hour discussion.
On Aug. 24, the helicopter will be in county airspace for about 45 minutes — following the lead riders as they crest Independence Pass and ride to the finish line in Aspen, said Jim Birrell, race director.
The chopper will remain at least 1,000 feet above the ground, staying over Highway 82, and fulfill key functions both in filming the action and relaying radio communications from ground crews and a caravan of 74 vehicles that will accompany the roughly 128 riders, he said.
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