The Champion System Pro Cycling Team’s invitations to compete in two of America’s most prominent races are significant for the first-year squad that is Asia’s first pro continental team. Champion System learned Wednesday it will be a part of both the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah (Aug. 7-12) and the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado (Aug. 20-26).
“This news is especially exciting for our Chinese athletes – who have been performing so well at the Tour of Qinghai Lake this month – to have the opportunity to race in America,” Champion System General Manager Ed Beamon said. “Of course it has been a big goal for our American riders, Chris Butler and Craig Lewis, to race in two of their biggest national tours.”
Lewis of Boulder, CO, said his entire year has been based around competing in the two races. To finally secure the invitation to them provides instant motivation, he said.
“I know both races were looking at a long list of worthy squads and I’m very excited that they saw the potential that Champion System has,” he said. “We are all really looking forward to making an impact in Utah and Colorado.”
Champion System is a leading Hong Kong-based custom cycling clothing manufacturer with offices in New York. Champion System Vice President of Sales and Marketing Charlie Issendorf said the races are great opportunities to showcase the company’s apparel in America while continuing to test new garments and receive valuable feedback for improving its product line.
“We are both honored and excited to be selected to compete in the premier stage races in the United States,” Issendorf said. “Our pro team riders will be wearing our custom technical apparel at the highest level of the sport under all types of extreme racing conditions.”
The Tour of Utah runs along the Rocky Mountain’s Wasatch Range and features more than 400 miles of racing and close to 30,000 feet of climbing. The USA Pro Cycling Challenge is run along a 683-mile course and has more than 42,000 feet of climbing.
