A New Bike Race Could Come To Colo. Springs

We?ve heard of the Tour de France, but what about the Tour of Colorado Springs?

Cycling enthusiasts are asking for the city’s help to fund an ambitious new event, but the money simply might not be there.

The Tour of Colorado is meant to attract elite riders but also non-professionals, and if it does happen, it would begin and end downtown at Acacia Park.

?Bringing people downtown is great, even if they don’t buy something from you right now, it is still building good will and positivity,? said Erin Hess, the owner of Accents on Tejon.

After what the city considered the great success of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge last year, the Tour of Colorado Springs is trying to find it’s place.

Several business owners on Tejon tell me they are excited about the new bike race.

?We need things like that to promote downtown and the city. It would be awesome,? said Dru Drury, the owner of Eye Caliber Sunglasses.

The majority of council seemed to support the event, which would go down as far as Fountain and even through Fort Carson and the Air Force Academy.

Council says it hopes it will boost economic vitality.

?If we attract the right people to Colorado Springs, we will attract jobs, and at the end of the day we need to play that top line,? said Council Member Time Leigh.

Organizers are asking for some $68,000.

Mayor Bach said he doesn’t believe the city has the money for the event in its general fund, so council will have to get creative with the funding.

If planning remains on schedule, the 105-mile ride would happen June 30, 2012.

It is expected to draw between 1,500 to 2,000 people.

Council is scheduled to vote on the issue on Feb. 28.