Organizer’s departure to end popular Colorado bike race

A popular Colorado cycling race won’t continue following the departure of organizer Shawn Hunter.

Hunter told the Denver Post on Tuesday that he is not pursuing the cross-state USA Pro Challenge for 2017. He announced in February that the race wouldn’t take place this summer, which would have been its seventh year.

A group led by Colorado businessman Ken Gart is organizing a new professional bike event for 2017. It will be different from the week-long Pro Challenge, which attracted top cyclists from across the world.

Gart says he’s working with community leaders to keep pro cycling alive in Colorado.