“The highest point is 3,600 meters. I’ve never been that high before…” – Andy Schleck

International Pro Cycling returns to Colorado in the form of the Inaugural Pro Cycling Challenge, an event that should spark fond memories of the historic Coors Classic for those that remember. After acclimating to the heights of the Colorado Rockies a select few share their thoughts on the event the afternoon before the Prologue.

Cadel Evans (AUS): “The climbs are reasonably hard but the altitude will be the biggest test for us. I’ve been here for a week and I’m hoping I can adjust in time.” When asked his thoughts on who’s favored to win he remarked, “I think I look at the Columbians as the favorites because of the advantages they have training at altitude. We will do anything we can, but they are definitely in a favorable environment.”

Andy Schleck (LUX): “The altitude is hard. It is definitely going to be the biggest obstacle in the race and will be a big challenge. The highest point is 3,600 meters. I’ve never been that high before so I’m looking forward to going up there. The thing is, we all have to go up to those heights, so its not going to be just hard for me. It will be difficult for everyone.”
Frank Schleck (LUX): “I couldn’t do the Amgen Tour of California this year, but when I had the chance to do the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, I knew the state has a big passion for cycling and the people have a big passion for cycling, so I was excited to come. I heard all about this climbing. That just made my day. Colorado has been great – I really love this state.”

Tom Danielson (USA): “Lookout is one of the local races we have in Colorado. It was one of my favorite climbs and my current record is 16 minutes. I don’t think we’ll go that fast up it because it’s the beginning of the stage, but perhaps the Columbians might have other ideas…”

Ivan Basso (ITA): “For me the problem is that I only got here two days ago. I saw the map and we go really, really high – almost to the sky. I am in good condition. The only problem is the altitude and the jet lag.”

Robert Gesink (NED): “I’m motivated to do the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. I’m happy I came early to prep for the altitude. We did some nice training. The hours go by pretty fast because you look around and see all the great views. I like to race outside Europe, but it’s nice to be over here because it’s completely different. I’m motivated to get good results.”

Sergio Luis Henao (COL): “For the Columbian people, the advantage we have is the altitude because we train every day at more than 2,000 meters. Colombians are generally good in the mountains. For us this is an important race and we think we can be in the key places in the race. There is a high, high level here, but we will fight to win and race for the people here in Colorado. I am very proud to be here with the top riders in the world.”