GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) — The National Park Service is still saying “no” to staging a portion of the Quiznos Pro Challenge bicycle race in the Colorado National Monument.
Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis said Monday that allowing the race in the western Colorado site would harm natural resources and close the park to other visitors. His announcement follows review of the proposal and reaffirms a decision in December by monument Superintendent Joan Anzelmo.
An organizing committee from Grand Junction, the community next to the western Colorado site, wants part of the inaugural race, set for late August, to go through the monument.
Lance Armstrong was instrumental in establishing the new race, which is scheduled Aug. 22-28 and will consist of seven stages through 11 cities across Colorado.
