Award jerseys awarded for USA Pro Challenge
Aug 9th
Smashburger, Clif Bar, Nissan, Colorado State University and FirstBank to Serve as Presenting Partners
DENVER (Aug. 9, 2013) – As the professional riders participating in the 2013 USA Pro Challenge battle it out on the mountainous roads of Colorado, they will be competing for several coveted honors – the jerseys awarded to the overall leader, sprinter, climber, best young rider and most courageous rider. This year, the newly unveiled jerseys include updated, eye-catching designs that will help fans identify the current leaders during the race, set to take place Aug. 19-25.
In 2013, the official award jerseys are presented by a combination of returning and new partners. Colorado State University, Colorado-based FirstBank and Clif Bar join returning partners Smashburger and Nissan, who have been with the race since the inaugural year in 2011.
“These jerseys, and the partners presenting them, are a critical component to the USA Pro Challenge,” said Rick Schaden, owner of the race. “Bringing on partners of this caliber really show the growing interest in the race and helps us to create an unforgettable week.”
Sports apparel company Pearl Izumi, which has been the official technical apparel partner since the inaugural year, will produce the jerseys to be presented to riders who display exceptional skill in each stage of the race in the following categories:
Smashburger Leader Jersey
The Smashburger Leader Jersey is awarded to the rider with the lowest cumulative elapsed time over the duration of the race. Depending on each day’s results, the rider wearing the yellow leader jersey can change from stage to stage. Because the overall winner is based on lowest cumulative time, it is possible for a rider to win the Smashburger Leader Jersey without winning a daily stage.
Clif Bar Sprint Jersey
The Clif Bar Sprint Jersey is awarded to the rider that accumulates the most bonus points, which are given based on sprint line performances, as well as finishing the stage in the top 15 places. Cyclists who specialize in bursts of power and speed, or consistently finish near the top of each stage, will have the best chance to wear this respected green jersey.
Nissan King of the Mountains Jersey
The USA Pro Challenge features the most demanding mountain terrain in professional cycling, reaching higher elevations than any other race. The cyclist who proves to be the strongest climber through steep grades at designated Nissan King of the Mountain (KOM) locations will ultimately win this jersey. The first three cyclists to reach the top on rated climbs receive points toward this award.
FirstBank Most Courageous Rider Jersey
Each stage of the competition will present countless obstacles for the cyclists. The rider who best tackles the challenges of the day and exemplifies the spirit of the sport – courage, sacrifice, inspiration, determination and perseverance – will be awarded the FirstBank Most Courageous Rider jersey.
Colorado State University Best Young Rider Jersey
A plethora of young talent will take to the roads to tackle the USA Pro Challenge. These up-and-comers will compete for the distinction of wearing the Best Young Rider Jersey, which will be awarded to the rider under 23 years old that has the lowest cumulative elapsed time over the duration of the race. New to the race, Colorado State University is the official higher education partner and as such, will present the award to this emerging talent.
“Like the USA Pro Challenge, Colorado State University’s high-quality academic and research programs touch every corner of our beautiful state and have a global reach,” said Tom Milligan, CSU vice president for external relations. “Just as the wearer of this CSU Best Young Rider Jersey represents the future of cycling, our students represent the next generation of statewide, national and international leaders in business, science, the arts and more.”
“The jerseys are a time-honored tradition in professional cycling,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge. “Each jersey carries a special meaning and each partner presenting it at the USA Pro Challenge plays a critical role in celebrating these amazing athletes for their incredible effort on the road.”
About the USA Pro Challenge
Referred to as “America’s Race,” the USA Pro Challenge will take place August 19-25, 2013 and travel through eight host cities from Aspen to Denver. For seven consecutive days, the world’s top athletes race through the majestic Colorado Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they’ve ever had to endure. After attracting more than 1 million spectators in 2012, making it one of the largest cycling events in U.S. history and the largest spectator event in the history of the state, the USA Pro Challenge is back for 2013. Featuring a challenging, 600-mile course, the third annual race will spotlight the best of the best in professional cycling and some of America’s most beautiful scenery.
More information can be found online at www.USAProChallenge.com and on Twitter at @USAProChallenge.
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Contact:
Nicole Okoneski
Rogers & Cowan
310-854-8189
Arapahoe Avenue closed between 15th and 17th streets on Saturday
Aug 9th
From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, both directions of Arapahoe Avenue will be closed to traffic between 15th and 17th streets while the City of Boulder reconstructs the roadway into concrete. During the closure, eastbound traffic will be detoured onto 15th Street and then onto Canyon Boulevard, with the option to return onto eastbound Arapahoe Avenue via 17th Street. Traffic delays are expected until the eastbound lane of Arapahoe Avenue is reopened after 5 p.m.
Eastbound Arapahoe Avenue between 17th and Folsom streets will remain open, businesses along Arapahoe Avenue will remain open, and the Boulder Farmers’ Market will remain at its current location. Travelers are encouraged to walk or bike along the Boulder Creek Path, ride buses, or use Canyon Boulevard and the downtown parking garages if driving.
The one-day full closure between 15th and 17th streets is a final step in the first phase of the Arapahoe Avenue Reconstruction project. Phase two is scheduled to begin on Saturday, Aug. 17, when westbound Arapahoe Avenue will be reopened to traffic, and will continue through May 2014. During phase two of the reconstruction, Arapahoe Avenue will have intermittent daytime lane closures; travel in both directions will remain open throughout. The JUMP bus will remain on Arapahoe Avenue, but there may be temporary bus stop closures. Phase two includes irrigation relocation and construction of curbs, gutters, driveways, and sidewalks.
By fall 2014, Arapahoe Avenue will be reconstructed into concrete between Folsom and 15th streets, along with additional enhancements. For more information, call 303-441-3266 or visit www.bouldertransportation.net and select “Arapahoe Avenue Reconstruction.”
To receive email updates about construction project locations and schedules, visit the City of Boulder Email Listspage and select “Public Works News.” For the latest construction traffic information, visitwww.boulderconezones.net and follow @boulderconezone on Twitter.
— CITY —
Boulder Rangers have a quiet week, goats to invade
Aug 9th
The goats are coming; the goats are coming!
Approximately 300 goats will move onto the Stengel l property (Tallgrass West area) sometime this weekend. The goats are part of a long term project established in 2011 looking at ways to reduce chicory, a blue flowered exotic perennial that has invaded our tallgrass communities. Staff is looking at how goats, cattle and prescribed fire when appropriate effect chicory densities and its’ spread. Thanks to Lynn, Ann Lezberg and others for making this happen.The contractor will be on site 24/7 as permitted by the City. Educational signs have been posted at all access points.
Rangers:
Rangers responded to:
• A report of an injured hiker on the Royal Arch trail. The hiker fell and injured her right ankle.Rangers worked with RMR and AMR on this call.
• A report of a lost hiker in the area of the Royal Arch.
Rangers were able to talk the person back down to the trails.
• A report of a fire in the five mile marker of Left Hand Canyon.
Rangers located three juveniles having a campfire and issued summonses for this offense.
Ranger Job Opening
The open OSMP Ranger Naturalist positions have been posted and we will be accepting applicants through 8/20. If you have any qualified seasonal staff, friends or former co-workers interested please direct them here:
https://bouldercolorado.gov/jobs-and-volunteer
Trail
On Aug 1st, members of the Mountain Bike Patrol joined OSMP staff to construct a temporary trail connection between Community Ditch and Coal Seam Trail. This temporary trail will allow visitors to make a loop on those trails, during construction of the Hwy 93 underpass. Once the underpass is complete, this trail will be closed and restored.
Xcel Energy will be starting the line / pole replacement project in the next couple days. Starting from the South, Plainview area, they will work North using Flatirons Vista access and on to Eldorado substation, their contractor will be using Greenbelt Plateau for employee parking with OSMP placards.
Community Outreach
OSMP started leading public Natural Selections programs into the Weiser property last weekend. Dave Sutherland took a large group to see the sandstone cliffs, turtle backs, rare plants and bald eagles that inhabit this special and fragile place. OSMP will continue to offer public guided hikes through August, September and October while the property is open for visitation. The area can only be visited with an OSMP guide, and the hikes are limited to 15 by reservation. At the end of October, a bald eagle nesting closure goes into effect until next August and the location will be closed once more.
Channel 8 covers the OSMP Art Show – https://vimeo.com/71605401
The art show is located in the Boulder Public Library Canyon Gallery (1001 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder). The show is open to the public and will run from July 20 – August 28 during normal library hours. Drop in and see how Open Space inspires local artists!
