USA Pro Cycling Challenge announced the final teams for the 2012 version of the race
Organisers of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge announced the final 16 teams for the second edition of the race.
The race is scheduled in Colorado and the inaugural ceremony was held in the presence of Levi Leipheimer and Cadel Evans.
The second edition of the seven-day race is scheduled from August 20-28 and cyclists from across the world have opted to participate at the second version of the race right after the Olympics.
CEO of the race, Shawn Hunter briefed that short-listing 16 teams out of the top 20 was a very difficult decision.
He explained that the USA Pro Challenge is now amongst the most highly ranked cycling events in the US and around the world.
"After the 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge, we had such an overwhelmingly positive response from the teams that it was difficult to narrow it down to 16 teams for the 2012 edition," he noted.
"After winning the Tour de France last year and seeing the enthusiasm of the fans, I didn't think anything could match it, but then I came to Colorado," said BMC's Cadel Evans.
"Seeing the huge crowds that were along the route supporting us was remarkable and really motivated us to do our best. The course and the mountains were beautiful, but incredibly challenging".
The 2011 version of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge was held in Colorado last year and as many as 135 cyclists from across the world participated at the race.
The race received a complete coverage of 25 dedicated hours at the Versus (TV Channel) and the NBC Sports Network.
The race took the cyclist across a gruelling 12,000 feet during the past version of the race and the American cyclists, Levi Leipheimer, Christian Vande Velde and Tejay van Garderen occupied the top three podium positions at the race.
UCI ProTeams
Astana Pro Team (Kaz), BMC Racing Team (USA), Garmin-Sharp (USA), Liquigas-Cannondale (Ita), Omega Pharma-QuickStep (Bel) and RadioShack-Nissan (Lux).
UCI Professional Continental Teams
Champion System Pro Cycling Team (Chn), RusVelo (Rus), Team Spider Tech powered by C10, Can), Team Type 1-Sanofi (USA) and UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team (USA).
UCI Continental Teams
Bissell Pro Cycling (USA), Bontrager Livestrong Team (USA), EPM-UNE (Col), Optum Pro Cycling p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies (USA) and Team Exergy (USA).
Tags: