Breckenridge Hosts July 7 Countdown to Kickoff of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

Breckenridge Hosts July 7 Countdown to Kickoff of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

Public invited to group bicycle ride with Colorado Tourism Office Director Al White and Breckenridge Mayor John Warner; Rep. Millie Hamner to attend

BRECKENRIDGE, CO - July 5, 2011 – The Breckenridge Local Organizing Committee (LOC), a group dedicated to supporting the Stage 5 finish of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Breckenridge, Colo., will host a Countdown to Kickoff to celebrate the return of professional cycling to Breckenridge and the state. Colorado Tourism Office director Al White, Rep. Millie Hamner and Breckenridge Mayor John Warner will briefly discuss cycling’s impact on tourism at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2011 in the Blue River Plaza. Following, White and Warner will lead a group bicycle ride with the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance through downtown Breckenridge. The first 50 riders to check in at the bike concierge receive a free USA Pro Cycling Challenge race pack.

What: Countdown to Kickoff: Celebrate 46 days ‘til the start of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

When: Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 10:00 a.m., group ride to follow; live broadcast of the Tour de France begins at 7:30 a.m.

Where: Blue River Plaza, located at the intersection of Main Street and Washington Avenue in downtown Breckenridge, Colo.

Who: The public is invited to join the free celebration and group bicycle ride; the first 50 riders to check in at the bike concierge (opens at 9:00 a.m., located in the Blue River Plaza) receive a free USA Pro Cycling Challenge race pack

“We are honored to host USA Pro Cycling Challenge for the stage five finish and we’d like to better inform the public about the race and the positive impact it will have on both local communities and the state,” said Breckenridge LOC co-chair Lucy Kay. “The ride through Breckenridge will highlight local landmarks and show how accessible cycling is for all abilities and interest levels.”

Breckenridge-specific race information is online at the newly-launched BreckProCycling.com, which will be updated as news and schedules become available.

The Countdown marks 46 days until the start of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, a demanding seven-day road biking race that has already confirmed top cycling teams from across the world. The race rolls through Colorado Aug. 22-28, with an expected sprint finish on the streets of historic downtown Breckenridge Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011. Visit USAProCyclingChallenge.com for event details.

The Countdown times in conjunction with Breck Bike Week, a festival dedicated to praising all things pedal. Visit BreckBikeWeek.com or call 877-864-0868 for schedules and lodging information.

Connect with the Breckenridge LOC online at Twitter.com/BreckProCycling or Facebook.com/BreckenridgeQPC for the latest news and updates on the Stage 5 Finish.