Colorado's Largest Bank Announces Major Partnership with Largest Professional Cycling Race in the United States

LAKEWOOD, Colo., July 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstBank, Colorado's second largest bank by deposits, announced today it has partnered with the USA Pro Challenge professional cycling race. The Pro Challenge, which is recognized as one of the largest cycling events in North America with more than a million spectators and voted a Top 5 Race internationally according a recent poll from Cycling News, features some of the best cyclists in the world. This year's event represents the second year FirstBank has been a major partner.

The week-long race will take place Aug. 18-24 and will travel through many cities in Colorado where FirstBank has branch locations such as Aspen, Boulder, Breckenridge, Colorado Springs, Denver and Vail.

Now through July 25, fans have a chance to win the following three exclusive VIP experiences by going to FirstBank's Facebook or Twitter channels and clicking on the USA Pro Challenge VIP Sweepstakes app.

• A Grand Prize: Gives winners a choice of attending an Opening Weekend or Closing Day exclusive VIP experience. This exclusive VIP experience includes 2 seats in a VIP caravan car, 2 passes to the VIP hospitality tent, a signed rider jersey, discounted hotel options, and more. Closing Day in Denver also includes 2 passes to the official post-race party.
• A Second Prize: Gives winners a VIP day at Opening Weekend in Aspen and includes 2 passes to the invitation-only Founders' Ride, Teams Presentation Event and VIP hospitality tent, 2 VIP gift bags and discounted hotel options.
• A Third Prize: Gives winners a VIP day during the final day in Denver and includes 2 passes to the VIP hospitality tent and official post-race party, and 2 VIP gift bags.

In addition, FirstBank is the presenting partner of the "Most Aggressive Rider" classification jersey. This jersey is awarded daily to the rider who best asserts himself in the peloton and tackles the challenges of the race that day.

"We look forward to being one of the main partners for this year's race and providing these VIP experiences to race-goers," said John Ikard, the CEO of FirstBank Holding Company. "This race embodies everything Colorado stands for: nature, health, and strength in commitment. It also greatly benefits our economy by drawing in approximately a million visitors and gaining exposure of our beautiful state to more than 175 countries and territories. For many reasons--economic and otherwise—this is a great event to support and we're proud to do it." 

Partnering with USA Pro Challenge is part of FirstBank's commitment to be highly active with local communities where its employees live and work. All officers at FirstBank's 115 locations sit on boards of nonprofits and causes they're passionate about. The company also donated more than $5 million to nonprofits in Arizona, California and Colorado last year.

"The Pro Challenge shines a spotlight on Colorado and we appreciate how the state has welcomed the race with open arms, so whenever possible we try to partner with local companies," said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge. "As one of the largest and most recognized companies in Colorado, FirstBank is a great addition to the race and was an invaluable partner last year. We are happy to welcome them back, and this year, through the sweepstakes FirstBank created, fans will have the unique opportunity to get even closer to the race action."

About FirstBank
FirstBank operates more than 115 locations in Colorado, Arizona and California.  FirstBank is the largest locally owned banking organization in Colorado, serving more than 600,000 customers. Since 2000, FirstBank has contributed more than $45 million and thousands of volunteer hours to charitable organizations. FirstBank is unique in that a majority of its stock is owned by management and employees. For more information, go to www.efirstbank.com.

About the USA Pro Challenge
Referred to as "America's Race," the USA Pro Challenge will take place August 18-24, 2014. 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. 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 continues to set records in professional cycling by taking the riders to unprecedented elevations. Featuring a challenging course, the fourth 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.USAProCyclingChallenge.com and on Twitter at @USAProChallenge.

SOURCE FirstBank