USA Pro Challenge Launches Women’s Race

The USA Pro Challenge has announced the creation of an elite women’s cycling race, the Women’s USA Pro Challenge, to take place over the course of three days in August 2015 in conjunction with the men’s professional race in Colorado. The women will race on parts of the men’s race course and for the same prize money as the men.

The three-day, invitation-only event will be sanctioned by USA Cycling and will begin in Breckenridge on August 21, head to Fort Collins on August 22 and conclude in Golden on August 23, prior to the start of the last day of racing for the USA Pro Challenge. It is expected to include the top women riders in the world and several Olympians.

“We are very excited to support women’s cycling in the U.S. and bring more of an awareness to these incredible athletes on a large stage in Colorado with world-class crowds,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge. “The women bring an entirely new dynamic to our race and we are confident the fierce skills of these riders will impress and inspire all of our passionate fans.”

Sean Petty, the former COO of USA Cycling and now a USA Cycling board member, will serve as the race director for the women’s event. “There is a long legacy that some of the best female cyclists in the world are from the United States and many from right here in Colorado,” Petty said. “Now, those riders get to showcase their incredible talent and exciting racing in front of the huge crowds the USA Pro Challenge attracts. It’s a great opportunity for our women to have a ‘home game.’”