The USA Pro Challenge Cycling Race, Colorado's biggest bike race, just announced the 2014 route that will cover 550 miles from August 18-24. Billed as the biggest spectator event in Colorado, the race visits some of the state's best ski towns, including a start in Aspen, a visit to Crested Butte and Breckenridge, a time trail in Vail, and several brutal climbs before it finishes in Denver on August 24. The highlight of the tour might be the third-stage climb up Monarch Mountain which will pass Monarch ski area and top out at a lung-busting 11,300 feet. Expect some fireworks as this stage finish is nearly twice as high as any other stage race, including the Tour de France. Yowza.
· USA Pro Challenge [Official Site]
· USA Pro Challenge to feature Monarch Mountain [USA Today]