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Montrose Residents Gearing up for USA Pro Cycling Challenge

by KREX News Room
by Courtney Griffin

Story Created: Aug 20, 2012 at 10:53 PM MDT

Story Updated: Aug 21, 2012 at 7:46 AM MDT

MONTROSE, Colo.- Many Montrose residents are thrilled to have the USA Pro Cycling Challenge go through their city Tuesday.

Stage 2 of the race will begin at 11:25 a.m. Tuesday at the Montrose Pavilion. The cyclists will then go 99 miles until they reach Crested Butte. "I just can't believe it's happening here in Montrose. I'm really looking forward to it," said Pat Brossley, a Montrose resident.

The city started preparing for the event back in February once they found out they were one out of 44 cities selected after submitting an application. "One of the reasons why you do this is for the exposure that you'll get. We're so fortunate to be on that route," said Jenny Sopsic, co-chair of the local organization committee for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

Some residents are so excited they're giving their employees a little more freedom than usual. "I'm letting all my employees off work so we can watch the race tomorrow," said Brossley.

Officials say they expect nearly 15,000 people to line the route. They also say all of the visitors will help boost their economy. "There's a lot of traffic coming into the office, phones are ringing off the hook. It's definitely busier," said Sopsic.

Officials say last year the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado brought in $80 million, with $67 million of that making a direct impact. "Yes, our town has been very busy lately, a lot of people are here from out of town," said Brossley.

Officials say most of the city's main streets will be shut down from 8 a.m. until the cyclists pass by. "If you're coming from Gunnison when the race starts, the entire section will be shut down. You'll be forced to pull over on the side of the road, but you'll have a great view of the race," said Lt. Blaine Hall with the Montrose Police Department.

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irritated Montrose resident said on Tuesday, Aug 21 at 11:55 AM

Who pays the road tax's here? Them or me ! If I can not conduct business im loosing money! What type of business do you run? I can not even make it to the hospital to visit my dying mother.

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