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Teams for Aspen-Snowmass women’s cycling race named

Aspen Times staff reportAspen, CO Colorado

ASPEN – Top female cyclists from around the country are gearing up for the Aspen-Snowmass Women’s Pro Stage Race, an event planned for Aug. 22-24.UnitedHealthcare recently was announced as the key sponsor. Participating teams were announced today, according to an event news release.”We’re thrilled to have such a strong interest from top riders and teams,” said event developer Jessica Phillips, two-time national cycling champion and Aspen resident. “We’re going to be welcoming 50 riders, including World Champion and 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Kristin Armstrong, arguably the best female rider out there.” The three-day race offers a $10,000 purse and allows the women to compete during the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, a men’s event that rolls into Aspen on Aug. 24. The Women’s Pro Stage Race will begin Stage One with a time trial from the base of the Aspen Highlands going to the scenic and iconic Maroon Bells. Stage Two will include a circuit race through the hills of Snowmass Village, while Stage Three will see riders race through the streets of downtown Aspen. The women’s event will start at 1 p.m. on Aug. 24 and will finish shortly before the men arrive in Aspen from Gunnison in Stage Two of their race.Committed teams for the women’s race include: • Colavita• Peanut Butter & Co.• HTC High Road• NOW And Novartis for MS• Primal/Map My Ride• Wheelworks• Select Riders from TIBCO• Team Ajax TavernThe women’s race is being put on by Team Ajax Inc., a nonprofit organization formed to support women’s cycling and athletic pursuits. Proceeds from the race will be used to support young women’s athletic programs in the Aspen/Snowmass area.