USA Pro Challenge won’t return this year
Organizers of the USA Pro Challenge stage race confirmed Friday that the event will not occur in 2016. In a written statement, CEO Shawn Hunter said that the race will aim to re-start in 2017.
“The timing and work involved in this endeavor does not allow us to produce the event in 2016 and achieve all the goals of our important stakeholders,” a statement read. “Instead, we have targeted 2017 to restart this iconic race. Since the inaugural USA Pro Challenge in 2011, the race has been a great Colorado community asset and has quickly become one of the most exciting races on the global cycling calendar, for fans and competitors.”
According to organizers, the event had grown into Colorado’s largest sporting event, with an estimated economic impact of $130 million.
BMC’s Rohan Dennis won the 2015 race. The USA Pro Challenge also added a three-day women’s event last year. Two-time Olympic gold medallist Kristin Armstrong won the overall.