The loss of the Tour de Georgia for next year was sad news. But the Oregon Pro Cycling Classic is setting out to prove that there's good news for the sport of cycling as well, at least in the Pacific Northwest.
Known for the past six years as the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic, the race is undergoing a makeover that will expand it to seven days and raise its difficulty in an attempt to rival the Amgen Tour of California.
The $50,000 event is listed on the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar from May 11 – 17, 2009.
In addition to racing around Mt. Hood, the event will visit the Willamette Valley wine country in 2009, according to a VeloNews article. Also, recreational bicyclists will be able to ride the tour route each day.
When the changes were first announced in July, The Oregonian reported it would be an 8-stage race covering about 600 miles of roadway with 50,000 feet of elevation gain. It's uncertain whether those goals will be achieved.
A race spokesman also told the Oregonian that it would likely become an invitational for the men's side and seek European teams as well as those from the US. In future years, it could range as far west at the Pacific Coast.
Although it faces the same funding issues as other bicycle races, organizers are optimistic that expanded TV coverage on Comcast Sportsnet will encourage more sponsors.
First seen at Bicycle.net
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