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Mountain Mayhem: Spin city

1. Sue Hostetler, Pam Alexander and Stacey Levine.

Aspen and cycling seem to be growing more synonymous with the increasing number of riders enjoying the sport in these parts. In anticipation of the fourth annual USA Pro Challenge, the seven-stage professional road race that threads through Colorado, starting in Aspen on Aug. 18, cycling enthusiast Pam Alexander hosted a reception at her home on July 6. Alexander welcomed friends and supporters of USA Cycling Olympic Development as well as those involved with the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club, celebrating both organizations and the work they do.

“Aspen is home to committed year-round athletes,” Pam noted, many of whom were in attendance at the event. “This community supports both of these programs to develop the next generation at the Olympic level as well as their programs for providing opportunities for young people in our region and throughout the US.”

The summer cocktail reception featured two live-auction packages directly benefiting the nonprofits and also highlighted the Aspen Sprint Challenge, “a collaboration between USA Cycling, the local organizing committee of Aspen/Snowmass and the USA Pro Challenge,” explained John Bucksbaum, who serves on the USA Cycling board of directors.



In doing so, “it allows everyday bike riders to test their skills in a competitive and fun environment,” he continued. “In addition to the once-in-a-lifetime experience of racing with the pros, participants will also be helping to fund the future of American cycling through the Development Foundation of USA Cycling.”

USA Cycling borrowed AVSC’s Ajax Cup team racing concept for the Pro Challenge Sprint Races for its second annual event this year. So far there are six Pro Challenge Sprint Race teams, which include the Caribou Club, Steven Leibowitz, Steven Shane/Shane Real Estate, Jonathan Levine/Glo Science, Mike Cole/USA Cycling and Shawn Hunter/USA Pro Challenge. A limited number of team slots remain available for $10,000 each. To register or learn more, visit http://www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com.