What Is 2013 USA Pro Cycling Challenge

Overview

The 2013 USA Pro Cycling Challenge was a prestigious multi-stage road cycling race held entirely in Colorado. It was part of the UCI America Tour and classified as a 2.1 event, drawing top-tier professional teams from around the world.

The race showcased Colorado’s diverse terrain, from high-altitude mountain passes to fast urban circuits. As one of the most significant cycling events in the United States, it combined athletic competition with regional tourism and economic impact.

• Duration: The race lasted 7 days, running from August 19 to August 25, 2013, with each day featuring a distinct stage.
• Route: The course covered approximately 600 miles across central and southern Colorado, starting in Aspen and ending in Denver.
• Participants: A total of 120 riders from 16 professional teams, including international squads like Garmin-Sharp and Omega Pharma-Quick Step, competed.
• Winner:Tejay van Garderen of BMC Racing Team claimed the yellow jersey as overall champion after strong performances in mountain stages.
• Altitude Challenge: Several stages exceeded 10,000 feet above sea level, testing riders' endurance and acclimatization to thin air.

How It Works

The USA Pro Cycling Challenge followed a traditional stage-race format, with daily stages contributing to multiple classifications including general, mountains, and sprint standings.

• General Classification: The overall winner is determined by the lowest cumulative time across all stages; Tejay van Garderen won with a total time of 24 hours, 42 minutes, and 4 seconds.
• Stage Types: The race included five mountain stages, one individual time trial, and a flat stage, offering diverse challenges for climbers, sprinters, and time trialists.
• Jerseys: Four leader jerseys were awarded daily: yellow for general classification, polka-dot for mountains, green for sprints, and white for best young rider.
• Team Strategy: Teams used domestiques to support leaders, especially in high-altitude climbs like Monarch Pass and Independence Pass.
• Time Bonuses: Riders could gain up to 10 seconds for top-three finishes at stage ends, influencing overall standings.
• Neutral Support: Unlike European races, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge provided neutral support vehicles through USA Cycling for mechanical issues.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2013 USA Pro Cycling Challenge compares to other major cycling races:

The 2013 USA Pro Cycling Challenge was shorter than Grand Tours but comparable in difficulty due to extreme elevation and weather conditions. It served as a proving ground for American riders ahead of international competition.

Why It Matters

The 2013 race had lasting significance beyond the podium, boosting cycling culture and infrastructure in the U.S. It demonstrated that American events could rival European races in organization and spectacle.

• Economic Impact: The event generated an estimated $120 million in economic activity for Colorado communities.
• Spectator Reach: Over 1 million fans lined the roads, making it one of the most-watched cycling events in U.S. history.
• Media Coverage: Broadcast in over 120 countries via NBC Sports and international partners, increasing visibility for U.S. cycling.
• Athlete Development: Helped launch careers of American riders like Tejay van Garderen and Brent Bookwalter.
• Legacy: Inspired future events and contributed to Colorado’s reputation as a premier cycling destination.
• Health Promotion: Encouraged public participation through community rides and youth programs linked to the race.

The 2013 USA Pro Cycling Challenge remains a benchmark for professional cycling in America, combining athletic excellence with broad cultural and economic impact.