Dave Parsons Feature: Colorado Bike Racing

(2011)

As a kid in 1985, I caught the racing bug. I had just watched the emotional and physical battle between teammates Greg Lemond and Bernard Hinault in the Tour de France. And I watched, in person, the battle continue in the Coors International Bicycle Classic here in Colorado. To make it more exciting, there were also local favorites and the women racers too. Among them were Davis Phinney, Ron Kiefel, Andy Hampsten, Jeannie Longo, Marianne Berglund and more. There's nothing like the thrill of watching racers blast by you to get you motivated, so I put on new handlebar tape and got my used Trek touring bike ready to race! Likewise, I believe the latest Colorado bike race, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge can do the same for many kids and adults alike - motivate them (and the Colorado economy) to get their bike out and get moving!

Bernard Hinault, Greg Lemond, Andy Hampsten, Davis Phinney, and the rest of racers line up in the 1985 Coors Classic at Vail, Colorado.

Marianne Berglund chases Jeannie Longo in the women's race - 1985 Coors Classic at Vail, Colorado.

Colorado resident Ron Kiefel rolls to a stage win in Boulder, 1986 Coors Classic.

Phil Anderson, Bernard Hinault, Andy Hampsten, Davis Phinney and the rest of the pack in Boulder, 1986 Coors Classic.

Boulder, Colorado resident Davis Phinney enjoys a cold one as the Sprint Leader in Boulder, 1986 Coors Classic.

At the front of the peloton, Bernard Hinault with Greg Lemond only two racers behind.

Bike helmets were virtually nonexistent in 85', but to race in Colorado I would need a helmet and I ended up with a bright red, lead-weight ANSI standard "Kiwi" helmet that would have been more suitable for a motorcycle, but I was ready to race!

As an amateur, one of my first races was similar one of the stages of the Coors Classic (and a much shorter version) - the Morgul Bismark - a long, tedious road race in Boulder, Colorado with an awesome downhill and long uphills like "The Hump, The Wall" and others. With the Rocky Mountains and rolling county side in the background of the of the Morgul Bismark race in 1986, I struggled up the hills. Standing in my pedals with my lungs burning, I hit "The Wall," a nasty hill at the finish. Completing the race gave me a sense of accomplishment and gave me the opportunity to say "I raced in the same route as they did in the Coors Classic."

I didn't go to far in bike racing, but I did enjoy the thrill of going 55 miles per hour on my bike literally bumping elbows with the pack of racers and descending the back hills of the Morgul Bismark. There is nothing like speeding along in a moving, speeding blur of wheels and energy! I hope the USA Pro Cycling Challenge continues!

On August 22, 2011 at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The first annual USA Pro Cycling Challenge took place with a prologue time trial that ended in downtown Colorado Springs. Racing fans, staff and bicycle racers line the race track at the start house of the race.

The first professional rider up, #132 Carlos Alzate Escobar of the USA Team Exergy receives a countdown to begin his race.

With Garden of the Gods in the background, #96 Daniele Callegarin of USA Team Type 1-sanofi aventis rolls down the ramp out of the starting house to begin his 5.18 mile race against the clock.

Tour de France champion Cadel Evans finishes his time trial in downtown Colorado Springs.

The massive peloton starts the Lookout Mountain climb with Golden's Castle Rock in the background.

Starting the Lookout Mountain climb past the School of Mines "M" on the mountain.

Enthuiastic fans cheer on racers in the final laps in the last stage race in downtown Denver, August 28, 2011.

With thousands of fans lining the streets, racers pass the modern architecture of the Denver Art Mesuem.

Levi Leipheimer in yellow zips past the Colorado state capitol building in downtown Denver eventually winning the inaugural 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge. Thanks for an awesome race!

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