DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Smashburger, the nation’s fastest growing “better burger” concept, is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge taking place August 22nd through 28th in Colorado. The premier racing event will take place over seven consecutive days and showcase 128 of the world’s top cyclists and champions who will be racing across the magnificent Colorado Rockies. The 518-mile course will start in Colorado Springs and go through Salida, Crested Butte, Gunnison, Aspen, Vail, Avon, Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge and Golden before ending in Denver.
“We are proud to support the USA Pro Cycling Challenge as a founding partner of this historic Colorado event, which is expected to be one of the largest sporting events to ever take place in the United States,” said Dave Prokupek, chairman and CEO of Smashburger. “We look forward to helping mold a growing Colorado tradition, creating an atmosphere of competitive excitement for residents, international fans and racers.”
As a part of Smashburger’s partnership, the company is sponsoring the green Smashburger Sprint Jersey, which will be awarded to the rider that accumulates the most bonus points throughout designated sprint line periods, as well as finishing the stage in the top 15 places. Cyclists who specialize in bursts of power and speed and consistently finish near the top of each sprint period will have the best chance to win the Smashburger sprint jersey and be named Sprint Champion.
To celebrate the USA Pro Cycling Challenge and encourage race fans to cheer on the riders throughout the course, Smashburger invites spirited SmashFans and race fans alike to visit any of their 14 Front Range Smashburger locations or their Dillon restaurant, to receive a free pair of official Smash ThunderStix®, with the purchase of any entrée and a copy of the Smashburger/USA Pro Cycling Challenge advertisement from the Denver Post. The giveaway will take place on the days of the race, from August 22nd – 28th while supplies last. Fans can also enter to win a Cannondale CAAD 10 Ultegra Bike or one of seven authentic USA Pro Cycling Smashburger Sprint Jerseys that will be autographed by the Sprint Champion and given away through the USA Pro Cycling Challenge 60 MPH Sweepstakes available on Facebook. To register, please visit www.facebook.com/USAProCyclingChallenge and click on the USA Pro Cycling Challenge 60 MPH Sweepstakes tab.
About Smashburger
Smashburger is the country’s fastest growing, fast casual “better burger” restaurant. Its hand-crafted burgers are made with fresh, never frozen, 100% Certified Angus Beef, that are “smashed”, seared and seasoned on the grill to juicy perfection for every individual order. Guests can create their own burger masterpiece or enjoy one Smashburger’s innovative signature recipes; including a unique burger for every local market that highlights the distinctive flavors of that region. Smashburger also serves tender marinated grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, grilled and split hot dogs, freshly prepared entrée salads, kids meals, handspun Häagen-Daz shakes and an array of signature sides. Developed and owned by private equity firm Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), Smashburger operates and develops both corporate and multi-unit franchise territories across the country with 115 restaurants nationwide. Smashburger was also the recipient of the International Council of Shopping Centers 2011 Hot Retailer Award. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com.
About the USA Pro Cycling Challenge
The USA Pro Cycling Challenge is expected to be the largest spectator event in Colorado history and one of the largest sporting events to ever take place in the United States. For seven consecutive days, 128 of the world’s top athletes will race across 518 miles through the majestic Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they’ve ever had to endure, more than two miles in elevation. It’s the best of the best in professional cycling, competing on a challenging course through some of America’s most beautiful scenery, including cities such as Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge and Steamboat Springs.
Referred to as “America’s Race” the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge will take place August 22-28, 2011. With more than one million spectators expected at the event, as well as national television exposure on NBC and VERSUS, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge will be one of the largest cycling events in United States history.
Spectators of this race will see Olympians, World Champions and Tour de France competitors. Fans worldwide will have access to the competition and riders like never before with the most advanced, interactive online, smartphone and broadcast television experience presented to date in professional cycling.
More information can be found on the website www.USAprocyclingchallenge.comand Twitter page @USAProChallenge.