Grand Junction cycling enthusiasts had to sit by and watch as the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge race spun across Colorado this summer, bringing international attention and an estimated million fans out to watch – and spend – in host communities.
But this year, a group calling itself the Local Organizing Committee is working to make sure the area doesn’t get left out of a second planned race.
The group has submitted a proposal to Medalist Sports – organizers of the Pro Cycling race – that lays out a number of options. Proposed routes include the area’s well-known vineyard country, the red rock vistas around Gateway and a locals-favorite, lung-busting climb up Little Park Road, which parallels the Colorado National Monument.
Grand Junction did not submit a bid for the 2011 race, citing financial and other constraints. The National Park Service turned down a request to allow a stage to be held in the Colorado National Monument in 2012.
Just to make sure Medalist gets the message that Grand Junction wants in, the local committee is running full-page ads in the local Daily Sentinel newspaper.
The ads are in the form of a letter to “Dear Medalist Sports,” and notes Grand Junction’s status as a regional hub with varied terrain and with a very active cycling culture.
The letter ends, “Grand Junction is ready to host in 2012.”
Nancy Lofholm: 970-256-1957 or nlofholm@denverpost.com
