Business leaders, city, should back Cycling Challenge

It’s time for Boulder business and government leaders to join the pack.

The recent USA Pro Cycling Challenge bike race generated $83.5 million in economic impact for the Colorado economy. That’s according to the latest numbers from organizers of the weeklong, 518-mile event.

IFM, a sports research firm, studied the economic impact and found that $67 million was generated in food, transportation, lodging and entertainment spending by about a million spectators, with the balance coming from participants, sponsors, staff and other contributors.

Boulder, unfortunately, saw none of that impact, as the city was not on the route. Communities for the inaugural event, which ran from Aug. 22 to 28, included Colorado Springs, Salida, Crested Butte, Gunnison, Aspen, Vail, Avon, Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge, Golden and Denver.

Boulder bicycling enthusiasts and community boosters are working to prepare a bid for the 2012 race, but they won’t be alone. Other communities left out of the initial race, such as Fort Collins, Grand Junction and others, are expected to prepare bids.

But Boulder’s absence was especially glaring, given the city’s status as one of the most bike-friendly communities in the nation, and residents’ strong propensity for active, healthy lifestyles.

Boulder business leader Barry Siff is helping lead the city’s efforts at securing the race. The effort is likely to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, much of which will have to be raised from within the community.

But it’s received the enthusiastic endorsement of Downtown Boulder Inc. and other organizations. Much work remains to be done, with USA Pro Cycling Challenge issuing a 62-page request for proposals for host venues. Money must be raised, venues must be organized, schedules of other events must be considered, and hotel rooms must be booked.

But Boulder’s effort deserves support, and funds. The Challenge has proved to be a significant economic generator for Colorado. It can and should be a major economic driver for Boulder and surrounding communities.

Boulder is one of the nation’s top cities for biking. It’s time to build on that brand and let the cycling world experience what locals know so well.

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