The course and a preliminary lineup of teams for the inaugural edition of the Women’s USA Pro Challenge were announced Thursday . So far, ten teams are confirmed for the race, but more may be announced in early August.
The course will take place over three stages in Colorado: an individual time trial in Breckenridge (the same route as the men will be riding), a road race from Loveland to Fort Collins, including a 20-mile climb, and a 1.5-mile circuit race in Golden. Teams confirmed in the press release include Twenty 16 p/b Sho-Air, UnitedHealthcare Professional Cycling Team, and Colorado Women’s Cycling Project p/b Spark. Two-time time trial Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong will be racing for Sho-Air.
“Having the women’s peloton become part of the 2015 USA Pro Challenge is an amazing platform for our sport,” Armstrong said in the release. “Women’s cycling is truly moving in the right direction and we’re grateful for the opportunity.”
The three-day race kicks off on August 21.