2011 Quiznos Pro Challenge dares cyclists to try and bite off more then they can chew

International Pro-Cyclists to Compete Throughout Seven Stages, 11 Host Cities, and Nearly 600 Miles of Colorado’s Most Challenging Terrain

A new multi-day competitive stage race, reminiscent of the Coors Classic two decades prior, is set to carve out a new space in the international pro cycling calendar for 2011. Organizers of the Quiznos Pro Challenge™ officially unveiled details regarding the inaugural event at a press conference last Thursday, November 4th, in Denver, Colorado. Scheduled for August 22-28, 2011, the event will be made up of seven stages, traveling through Colorado’s most picturesque landscapes and visiting 11 host cities. Created to be the most challenging pro-cycling race in American history, the Quiznos Pro Challenge is set to cover nearly 600 miles of the region’s demanding terrain. (Photo, right: host city representatives proudly sport the team colors.)

The 2011 Quiznos Pro Challenge Stages:
August 22 – Stage 1, Prologue time trial, Colorado Springs
August 23 – Stage 2, Salida to Crested Butte, mountain-top finish
August 24 – Stage 3, Gunnison to Aspen, mountain stage
August 25 – Stage 4, Vail, time trail, former Coors Classic stage
August 26 – Stage 5, Avon to Steamboat Springs
August 27 – Stage 6, Steamboat Springs to Breckenridge
August 28 – Stage 7, Golden to Denver

(Photo, left: USA Cycling CEO Steve Johnson announces the next big thing in American cycling since the Tour of California: a grueling 600 mile, seven day race through the most majestic and treacherous terrain Colorado and the Rocky Mountains have to offer.) Colorado Governor Bill Ritter and Governor-elect and former Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper were joined by representatives from the 11 selected host cites, as well as guest speaker Shannon Sharpe. Sharpe, a Denver professional football legend and avid cyclist, spoke passionately regarding the importance of the race and its presence in the international sports world, as well as his personal respect for international cycling and the endurance it takes to compete at a top level. Joining him on the podium were professional cyclists Tom Danielson, Tim Duggan and Rory Sutherland, as well as Steve Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of USA Cycling.

(Photo, right: pro football player Shannon Sharpe, right, and pro cyclist Rory Sutherland trade team helmets.) The 120 world-class cyclists anticipated to participate in the seven-day race will begin their journey in beautiful Colorado Springs, then crisscross their way over the treacherous Rocky Mountains. The region’s unique topography will provide challenging climbs and extremely fast downhill legs with an awe-inspiring backdrop of several of the United States’ highest mountain peaks leading to the finish in Denver. “We are excited to welcome sports fans and the international cycling community to many of Colorado’s most beautiful regions,” said Governor Ritter. “The Quiznos Pro Challenge will provide a majestic tour of many of the state’s natural treasures while becoming the battleground for one of the world’s most intense competitions.”

The initial idea to bring a major stage race back to Colorado is credited to Quiznos Pro Challenge partner Lance Armstrong who expressed interest to Governor Ritter last year. The Quiznos Pro Challenge is now expected to become one of the most significant international pro-cycling events worldwide, created to reinvigorate the legacy of the Colorado-based Coors International Bicycle Classic which took place from 1979 until 1988. The official race routes for the 2011 event are in the process of being charted and will be announced in the near future.

Team face-off: Tom Danielson from Team Garmin-Transitions left, and Shannon Sharpe, retired NFL Denver Broncos alumni, right, flex their respective muscles at the Quiznos Pro Challenge announcement Thursday.

San Francisco Giants Cycling Jersey

Joining our huge selection of cycling jerseys, BicyclingHub.com is proud to add the 2010 World Series Champion- San Francisco Giants Cycling Jersey to our line up of cycling clothing.  Major League Baseball Cycling Jerseys are being made by VO Max.  These surely will be a hit with Christmas coming up.

Why do you love cycling?

A collective essay from the fans and fellow cyclists that comprise the BicyclingHub.com community

Last Thursday, we took an informal poll of BicyclingHub's Facebook fans with the simple question, "Why do you love cycling?" The topic generated over 101 responses and 26 "likes" in a 24 hr. period. The original intent to declare one participant the sole winner quickly proved to be a difficult task, given the high caliber nature of responses and the passionate discussions they evoked. We narrowed down the list to the Top 4 responses and awarded each a $25 gift certificate to BicyclingHub.com, so they can continue to ride in comfort and style.

Why do you love cycling?

"This is what we wore when we got married -- our Cycling Love jerseys -- 'cause we're not just passionate about each other...we are "Passionate About Biking," too!" Thanks to CyclingLove.com fans and newlyweds Julie and Brian Klay for sharing these pics from their August 2010 wedding.

The Winners:

"Cycling has been my salvation, my vehicle for the return to physical and mental wholeness after experiencing a heart attack a few years ago. It provides an amazing mixture of things; it challenges and strengthens the body, sharpens and stimulates the mind, and caresses the soul with the pure joy of flying at the ground level." ~Steve M.

"It's a little bit like time travel for me. Every time I get on a bike I feel like I'm 14 all over again." ~Jason C.

"I love biking for so many reasons, but especially for the community it builds. Everyday on my way to work all the commuters give a little nod or wave to each other... do we do that in cars when we see each other everyday? Nope. That's why I'm staying on the bike." ~Lisa B.

"The freedom and fresh air. It's my church and therapist all in one!!" ~Lori R.

Some of our other favorites that deserve Honorable Mention:

"I love the sense of freedom of being on a bike and knowing I can go just about anywhere on my bike."~Tanya M.

"I always ride with friends!!!" ~Emily J.E.

"Cycling is my "mental floss," it clears out all the garbage."~Vicki D.

"I love to go places in the city that cars can't go. It's like getting to know someone intimately and sharing a special secret together." ~Beth H.

"Its my solitary activity that allows me to push myself & develop mental toughness." ~Lillian D.

"My bike separates my mind from my life...oh yeah! It gives me exercise too!" ~Matt L.

"I love cycling because it never bores me, each ride writes its own story with each turn of the wheels, and each story teaches me about achieving goals. Such success permeates all aspects of my life. And sometimes the ride has nothing to do with reaching a goal, but shows me something new, like today I saw recently harvested purple cauliflowers that had fallen off a farm truck, and I never even knew purple cauliflowers existed, so how wonderful it is to learn something new!" ~Darcy W.

"I find cycling to be my best form of therapy... plenty of time to thing about life. the 2nd reason I love cycling is you see so much more of your surroundings by being able to look around while you ride past." ~Matthew B.

"I can go almost anywhere for free!" ~Samuel A.

"After a ride I feel a sense of accomplishment even if I don't get anything else done the rest of the day." ~ Michael M.

"I love to mountain bike especially, because it takes me to some spectacular locations that only a fraction of the general public will ever see!" ~Dave S.

"Because cycling builds character(s)!... what other sport would you find yourself in the middle of nowhere having to hobble into Billy Bobs convenience store wearing cycling shoes and a skin tight shirt and shorts...risking being made to squeal like a pig...simply to get some water?" ~Ashe R.

"I feel powerful and free. It's a big block of "wheeeeeeee!!!" in a crowded and stressful life." ~Connie W , D.

"Because in no other activity am I in the moment!" ~Roger Mallette

"I love cycling because I can escape, fantasize, dream, enjoy, love, embellish, laugh, cry, hurt, feel joy, feel freedom, feel life, . I love cycling just because." ~Mia M.

"It can be a sensual, zen-like experience, a combination of the runner's high and the thrill of downhill skiing. The artistry of a fine bicycle holds a particular appeal. Then there is the comradely amongst many riders, a feeling of the shared experience similar to other extreme sports." ~Andrew R .

"It gives me a chance to wear all the nice cool apparel that I bought from Bicyclinghub." ~Eugene T.B.C.

Chris Sheppard on his way to winning his second consecutive Cross Crusade race in Rainier, Washington. Photo courtesy of Pat Malach, Oregon Cycling Action.

"Because of the inhuman suffering we are willing to accept and then come back the next day and do it again. No other sport asks for so much from the body, mind, & soul. Professionals dedicate their entire life just to finish some races, not to contend but just to say I finished. That is why I love cycling." ~Kevin B.

"Because I can't fly under my own power :-D " ~Randall G.

"The incredible sense of power and freedom it allows you...you lose all sense of the stress of your mind and tune into your body, your bike, the day at hand and the road before you...wow...the most exhilerating and rewarding experience of my life." ~Valerie N-H

"Rhythmic freedom, I love most everything about it motion, daydreams the feel of the bike or trike-- keeps me fit and outdoors in my beautiful Colorado. Lasting joy and happiness." ~G. Tess G.

Jim, Carolyn, and BicyclingHub.com owner Douglas Dougay take in Big Sky Country during the 2010 Park-2-Park Montana ride.

"Because it is fun, energy free, sustainable, healthy, and fascinating, and sooo Zen. I've been all over the world on a bicycle and had sponsored trips to Japan and Australia, set records and met great people. I've seen three comets, two triple conjunctions, solar and lunar eclipses and a UFO while bicycling. Rode with a deer leaning against me for 200 yards. I've exhibited my antique bikes in musums, art galleries and premiere auto concours as well as at Amgen Tour of California. Bicycling let me commute 33 years without burning a single drop of gas. I conserved over 35,000 gallons of gasoline this way. Did you know a study was done and showed a bicycle and rider is THE most efficient thing on the planet even more so than a Salmon swimming downstream. Now, THAT's COSMIC. WAY cooler than cars." ~Jacques G.

"Its the only time I feel like ME...a free spirit."~Catherine S.

Health Benefits Of Cycling

A guest column from Mark Taylor, Editor-in-Chief and Founder of British Bike Association

With so many of us in an unhealthy state right now because of lack of exercise and bad diet, cycling is an even more important way to keep fit and healthy. While going to the gym is another option, cycling has so many other benefits. If you are one of those people who do not have the patience to go to the gym and spend a long time running back and forth on a tread mill, then cycling may be the best alternative for you.

So what benefits can you get from biking? They are numerous. First, you will be able to stay healthy. When you are on your bike, all of your body parts move, allowing you to get an overall body workout. In effect, you will be able to lose weight, tone muscles, and strengthen your heart and respiratory functions. Aside from the health benefits, you will also get a lot of things on the side. Cycling can save you a lot of money. Rather than spending a lot of money on a gym membership that you will have to pay monthly, you will just have to spend once to buy a bicycle. In the long run, the cost of buying a bike will be cheaper compared to monthly gym membership fees. If you plan to take your bike to work, it will also help you save on the cost of buying fuel.

Being out on your bike daily also enables you to appreciate your surroundings and have fun. You can meet new friends and neighbors that engage in the same activity. In addition, you will also be able to appreciate the beauty of nature which you have probably neglected before because you did not have time to slow down and stay in touch with nature.

Cycling also helps you break away from routine. Spending 30 minutes on a treadmill everyday can start to get boring. Cycling enables you to visit new places or explore new surroundings while at the same time making sure that you get the daily dose of exercise that you need to stay healthy.

(photo left) BicyclingHub.com cycling clothing expert and London, U.K. native Kevin Langton can testify first-hand to the healthy benefits of riding after a long day's work.

It is also a very effective way to reduce stress. If you spend a very busy day at the office, you will surely need a way to relieve yourself from stress. Aside from drinking out or sleeping, cycling can help relieve you from stress. Looking at the things around you while cycling can help you realize that the world is such a beautiful place to live in and that even if you had a bad day at work, there are a lot of other things around you that make life beautiful.

More importantly, cycling is an effective way of staying healthy and having fun at the same time. It can help you lose unwanted pounds while simultaneously allow you to build new friendships and appreciate the beauty of nature. Cycling can help you escape gym time but still stay healthy at the same time.

Buy A Showers Pass Elite Cycling Jacket Get A Hood For FREE

Update:  Due to the popularity of this promotion we sold out of Showers Pass Hoods yesterday!  Sorry we have to discontinue it.

We love this promo and it's a great one for the fans of Showers Pass.  Purchase an Elite 2.0, Women's Elite 2.0 and Elite Pro and get a hood for free You must add an Elite jacket and the hood into your shopping cart to get this discount.  Go to our Showers Pass page for more details.  Ends October 28th.

University of Oregon Football is number 1

The University of Oregon Football team is the number one team in the country according the Associated Press.  Bicyclinghub.com is owned by an University of Oregon Alumi so it should only make sense that we are ranked number 1 on www.google.com!  We are located in Portland, Oregon and Bicyclinghub.com stocks this jersey year round.  Buy from someone who loves the U of O and is a proud alumi of the school.  

Bicyclinghub.com also owns www.collegecyclingjersey.com.  Find University of Oregon cycling jerseys at http://www.collegecyclingjerseys.com/oregonducks.html

7-Eleven Cycling Jersey coming in September 2013.

7-Eleven Jerseys are coming again.   This will be a limited production run and they will go quickly.


Purchase 7-Eleven cycling jerseys here.



We're really excited about this! BicyclingHub.com is proud to be stocking Retro 7-Eleven Cycling Jerseys in Fall 2013.   Now you can own a piece of American cycling history and honor some of the dedicated cycling professionals, including Davis Phinney, Andy Hampsten, Alexi Grewal, Rebecca Twigg, Ron Keifel,  Jim Ochowicz, and Bob Roll, who fought to establish a strong presence for a U.S. cycling team in the international cycling arena.  Achieving significant stage wins during the 1985 Giro d'Italia and 1986 Tour de France, Team Member Andy Hampsten won the Giro d'Italia, one of the most exalted cycling events in the world, in 1988.  Team 7-Eleven became one of the major cycling teams for the next decade (with Motorola assuming sponsorship 1991 through 1996).  As of 2009, Team 7-Eleven is the only cycling team to have been inducted into the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame.

Purchase 7-Eleven cycling jerseys here.


BicyclingHub.com stocks over 100 cycling jerseys year round.  Visit us on the web at http://www.bicyclinghub.com/