The USA Pro Cycling Challenge has teamed up with the second-annual Gran Fondo: Texas TMCO™ to create the KOM Challenge. Held on April 1, the Gran Fondo: Texas TMCO is both a race and a recreational ride for people of all ages. On the climb to the town of Anderson, participants will get a sense of what the pros experienced last August as they ride alongside the same course signage and under the same KOM arch used in the USA Pro Challenge.
“Cycling in Houston has a great following, and the partnership with USA Pro Cycling Challenge makes our event unique,” said Eric Powell, steering committee chair of the Gran Fondo: Texas TMCO. “The Gran Fondo: Texas TMCO provides a great chance for all riders, regardless of their experience and skill, to get out there and start riding.”
The 97-mile Gran Fondo, which will follow recreational rides of varying distances, will give riders the chance to test their climbing legs in a timed “King/Queen of the Mountain” Challenge, a race within a race. The fastest male and female finisher to cross under the official USA Pro Cycling Challenge arch will be crowned the winner at a post-event awards ceremony.
“We see our partnership with the Gran Fondo: Texas TMCO as an opportunity to get more people interested in cycling,” said Brian Farris, chief operating officer of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. “Whether it serves as inspiration for the next pro rider or it provides encouragement for someone to just get on their bike and ride, we want to make an investment in the future of cycling.”
With this being the first time the USA Pro Cycling Challenge has participated in an amateur event, the Colorado-based organizers recognized the opportunity to bring elements of a professional race to people across the country.
“It’s important to support the growth of cycling and encourage participation in amateur events like the Gran Fondo: Texas TMCO,” added Farris.
As a European Gran Fondo-style ride, the race will feature a diverse route with interval starts based on skill and distance so all levels of riders can participate. Both the race and the ride start and end at Houston Oaks Country Club & Family Sports Retreat in Hockley, Texas. Along with musicians at several of the rest stops, the Texas Medical Center Orchestra and Mariachi Los Gallitos will perform at the post-ride lunch, which will be followed by an awards ceremony to recognize the top finishers of the day.
About the Gran Fondo: Texas TMCO™
Taking place in Houston on April 1, 2012, the USA Cycling-sanctioned “Gran Fondo” style event consists of a 97 mile route that includes the King/Queen of the Mountain competition. Additionally, the recreational ride component has routes of 25, 45, 65, 87 and 100 miles.
This charity ride benefits the Texas Medical Center Orchestra and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. More information can be found online at www.granfondotexastmco.com.
