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ASPEN

Council to be briefed on bicycle-race plans today

The Aspen City Council is expected to receive an update today on plans for the USA Pro Challenge, the seven-stage professional cycling race through Colorado that kicks off in Aspen on Aug. 19.

For several months, the city has been involved in an outreach campaign to local businesses and residents about street closures and other impacts of the race on the community. The first stage, on Aug. 19, will consist of a circuit race that will loop three times from Aspen to Snowmass Village and back, using Highway 82, Owl Creek Road, Brush Creek Road, McLain Flats Road and Cemetery Lane.

The second stage leaves Aspen on the morning of Aug. 20 for Independence Pass, with the 16 cycling teams eventually ending up in Breckenridge.

This is the third consecutive year that Aspen been chosen as a host city for the race. Tonight’s work session begins at 5 p.m. in the basement of Aspen City Hall at 130 S. Galena St.