08/22/2011 05:43 PM by Andy Koen
An event the size of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge impacts the entire community from schools to businesses, even getting around town. The final leg of the Prologue went right down Colorado Avenue w… Click to Read More and see additional updates
08/22/2011 05:43 PM by Andy Koen
An event the size of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge impacts the entire community from schools to businesses, even getting around town. The final leg of the Prologue went right down Colorado Avenue which put extra cars on streets not used to having them.
A great example was West Pikes Peak Avenue. The detour traffic put extra cars on the street right in front of West Elementary and Middle School.
Principal Terry Martinez says he made special arrangements with parents to pick up children on Bijou to avoid all of the extra traffic.
In fact, the changes in bus routes and extra security cost district roughly $3,000. That said, Martinez said it made for an unforgetable afternoon recess.
"The morning was normal and we kept it rolling and then this afternoon they got an opportunity to come over for about a half hour and at that point they got to see about 15 riders go by."
With Colorado Avenue closed, businesses owners say that foot traffic was slower. Nevertheless, Lyn Stegiel of the Pyramide Boutique says she's happy to have the course pass through because it makes her neighborhood more visible to shopper.
"Sometimes on these events we'll get a lot of people, and sometimes we wont get as many, but I think it's just the whole feeling of the event that counts," Stegiel said.
Cycling fans are thrilled to have such an up close seat to a professional sporting event in their town.
"We love cycling, we're cyclists, we participate in cycling in the community," said David Kriegshauser. "So, this is really, really super cool to have this in Colorado Springs."
Dennis Dosch and his friends set up a tent brought a cooler with drinks and snacks to the curb near Pikes Peak and Ridge Road.
"The bikers are all pushing hard, they come around the corner and they're going up the hill here," Dosch said. "They're some of the worlds best, so you can't beat that."
The race is perhaps the biggest event in cycling to ever come to Colorado. It's expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators along the course over the next five days. The race teams will be leaving the Springs soon. Stage 1 begins at 11:45 a.m. in Salida on Tuesday.
08/22/2011 03:20 PM by juice@koaa.com
East bound highway 24 between 31st street and I-25 is moving very slowly due to the USA Pro Cycling Challenge bike race. Please try to avoid the area if possible.
08/22/2011 03:15 PM by bfolsom@koaa.com
Thousands are lining the course for the prologue of the U.S. Pro Cycling in Colorado Springs. Fans of cycling and the curious say they want to experience this world class event.
08/22/2011 01:25 PM by Andy Koen
The first rider of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge is now on his way into downtown Colorado Springs after leaving the starting gate in the Garden of the Gods. The Prologue is the first step in this 600 mile course as 128 of the world's top cyclists race against the clock for the best starting position. The five day competition wraps up Friday in Denver.
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