nate's musings

USA Pro Cycling Challenge drew over 1 million spectators & harvested $83.5 million in economic impact #colorado

via @denverpost here http://su.pr/2ByaOS

A study released Tuesday showed that 22 percent of spectators at the Aug. 22-28 race came from outside the state. Even better: More than 94 percent of attendees surveyed said they planned to return for next year’s race.

“All of the sudden, Colorado has jumped to the top of wish lists for people around the country and the globe,” said Al White, director of the Colorado Tourism Office.

Televisions in 161 countries flickered with race images from Colorado, and nationally, NBC broadcast 25 hours of race coverage from 11 host cities along the 518-mile route. The network recently proposed a multiyear contract to continue its coverage of the race.

“People from 161 countries saw the true awesomeness of Colorado,” said Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, who for Tuesday’s announcement joined mayors from the 10 other Colorado cities that hosted the race. “This was the most demanding competitive bike race in America, and that is something worth celebrating.” (sic)