ML - Aspen Peak

2013 - Issue 1 - Summer

Aspen Peak - Niche Media - Aspen living at its peak

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOUG PENSINGER/GETTY IMAGES/ USA PRO CYCLING CHALLENGE The peloton passes by Camp Hale in the Eagle River valley during Stage 4 of the 2012 USA Pro Challenge from Aspen to Beaver Creek. T ake the world's top pro cyclists, including Christian Vande Velde and Tejay van Garderen. Map out 599 miles of grueling terrain, tackled by less than one-inch rubber bicycle tires across the majestic Colorado Rocky Mountains. As an extra test of endurance, add in the highest elevated climb in professional cycling race history, to 12,000 feet, over Independence Pass. And that's the makings of the USA Pro Challenge, fast becoming the hottest event in biking and taking place this year August 19 –25. A mix of big business, big-name riders, and big egos, this seven-stage, adrenaline-infused spin-off just so happens to kick off in downtown Aspen. Sure, there's the exceptional Le Tour de France, but Americans can now get in on the action instead of merely watching French cycling fanatics on TV. And considering last year's USA Pro Challenge drew more than 1 million spectators to the state of Colorado over seven days, this anticipated competition is raising the profile of cycling in the US, as evidenced by the increasing number of recreational cyclists putting rubber to road. Nationally televised on NBC, the estimated economic impact to the state is $99.6 million, according to a study by global sports research firm IFM North America. The man to beat this year is likely Christian Vande Velde, the 2012 USA Pro Challenge champion, who clenched last year's title in a nail-biting Denver time trial during the final Stage 7. This August, two-time Pro Challenge rider and member of California-based BMC Racing Team Tejay van Garderen may just have a shot at the coveted final yellow jersey. "It's not going to be an easy start," says van Garderen. "At that elevation and on that kind of course, we won't be easing into the race. It's going to be straight from the gun, really hard racing. I'm a little nervous, but it should be fun." The seven-day race will begin on Monday, August 19 with a circuit race ASPENPEAK-MAGAZINE.COM 140-143_AP_FEAT_RoadWarriors_Sum_Fall_13.indd 141 141 5/6/13 11:06 AM

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