Press Room

Sen. Schwartz Joins With Gov. Ritter to Hail New Colorado Pro-Cycling Event thanks

Thursday, August 5 2010

Race will bring investment, international recognition, and prestige to Colorado

DENVER—Yesterday, Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) and Governor Bill Ritter joined seven-time Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong, USA Cycling CEO Steve Johnson and executives from Quiznos to announce a new pro-cycling race in Colorado. The Quiznos Pro Challenge will take place in August 2011 in cities and towns across the state.

“Colorado is the best place in this country to host an international pro-cycling event,” said Sen. Schwartz. “A race of this caliber will further elevate Colorado’s stance in the global economy and bring investment to our state.”

Thousands of cycling enthusiasts attended a press conference this morning on the West Steps of the Capitol for the announcement. Afterwards, Gov. Ritter, Armstrong and Johnson led the crowd on a ride from the Capitol to Washington Park and back.  
Details such as the location and route of the race have not been set, but Sen. Schwartz hopes it will be in her district which reaches from Aspen and Crested Butte all the way down to the San Luis Valley.

Sen. Schwartz added, “Western and Southern Colorado are ideal for this kind of race. We are well accustomed to hosting international athletic events, and the 11 counties in Senate District 5 are some of the most beautiful parts of the state. Who wouldn’t want to come spend time here?”
 
The last major pro-cycling race in Colorado was the Coors International Bicycle Classic, which operated from 1979 to 1988 and was one of the most prominent pro-cycling events in North America.

"This is a great victory for Colorado,” Gov. Ritter said. “The Quiznos Pro Challenge promises to be a major pro-cycling event, bringing significant economic benefit and attention to our state. I want to thank my partners, Quiznos and Lance Armstrong for all of their hard work to turn this dream into a reality.”
 
Quiznos is a Denver-based company that operates nearly 4,000 restaurants across the nation, offering premium sandwiches, soups and salads.
 
More information about the Quiznos Pro Challenge is available in the Quiznos press release.