Rabobank Cycling Team Confirmed for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

DENVER, July 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the USA Pro Cycling Challenge announced the final team roster to compete in its race, August 22-28.  Rabobank Cycling Team headlines the new additions, joining seven other Pro Tour teams, including Saxo Bank-SunGard, Leopard Trek, Team Radioshack, Garmin-Cervelo, BMC Racing Team, HTC Highroad and Liquigas-Cannondale.  After the second place finish yesterday by Bauke Mollema and the team's stage win in Saint Flour by Luis-Leon Sanchez at the 2011 Tour de France, Rabobank Cycling Team is setting its sights on the challenging terrain of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110405/LA77300LOGO)

In total, 17 teams have been announced for the pro cycling race that will host as many as 136 professional cyclists from around the globe.  "We have some of the world's best teams in professional cycling competing in Colorado," said Stacie Lange, spokesperson of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.  "Rabobank's participation is a clear indication of the high caliber of our race."

"We are very happy to be coming to Colorado in August," said Rabobank group manager Erik Breukink.  "We've been hearing the buzz that has built up around this race and we realize that this is one we do not want to miss."

Rabobank has maintained its position in the top 10 since 1995 and boasts a strong roster of 27 professional cyclists including Robert Gesink, who finished sixth at the Tour last year and earned the best young rider jersey at this year's Tour de France, Luis-Leon Sanchez, Oscar Freire, Carlos Barredo, Juanma Garate, and strong group of talented young riders.  

The inaugural race will also include UCI Continental teams EPM-UNE and Gobernacion de Antioquia - Antioquia Indeportes.  Team EPM-UNE currently holds the position of fourth place in the UCI America Tour, while Gobernacion de Antioquia is ranked ninth.

2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge – Confirmed Teams

About the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

The USA Pro Cycling Challenge is expected to be the largest spectator event in Colorado history and one of the largest sporting events to ever take place in the United States.  For seven consecutive days, 128 of the world's top athletes will race across 518 miles through the majestic Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they've ever had to endure, more than two miles in elevation.  It's the best of the best in professional cycling, competing on a challenging course through some of America's most beautiful scenery, including cities such as Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge and Steamboat Springs.  

Referred to as "America's Race" the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge will take place August 22-28, 2011.  With more than one million spectators expected at the event, as well as national television exposure on NBC and VERSUS, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge will be one of the largest cycling events in United States history.  

Spectators of this race will see Olympians, World Champions and Tour de France competitors.  Fans worldwide will have access to the competition and riders like never before with the most advanced, interactive online, smartphone and broadcast television experience presented to date in professional cycling.

More information can be found on the website www.USAprocyclingchallenge.com and Twitter page @USAProChallenge.  

Contact Heather Krug, Rogers & Cowan 310-854-8156 or [email protected]

SOURCE USA Pro Cycling Challenge