Greater Grand Junction to Host Two National USA Cycling Events in 2017

The Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission (GGJSC) and USA Cycling (USAC) have announced that another national event will join the 2017 USAC Collegiate Road National Championship to be held in Grand Junction on April 27–30. Spectators will also be able to cheer on athletes competing in the USAC Para-cycling Road National Championship.

“We are excited to be working with the Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission and Colorado Mesa University to bring both Collegiate and Para-cycling Road National Championships to Grand Junction for 2017,” said Micah Rice, vice president of national events for USAC. “The strong, welcoming cycling community in this area paired with the abundance of scenic riding will make for a fantastic USA Cycling National Championship.”

The collegiate championship will return to the Grand Valley in 2018.

The greater Grand Junction area is known for its world-class cycling trails and courses. The GGJSC’s history of success with cycling events — including hosting the regional collegiate championship for the past several years and ride headquarters for the 2015 Ride the Rockies tour — helped it to beat out a number of communities vying to host the races.

“Both the para-cycling and collegiate championships promise to feature fantastic racing,” said Jennifer Stoll, executive director of the Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission. “Hosting these races offers a tremendous opportunity for exposure of the Grand Valley on a national level.”

The Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission is a collaborative effort between Colorado Mesa University, the City of Grand Junction, Mesa County, the City of Fruita and the Town of Palisade to promote sport tourism in the community. The organization’s mission is to represent the Greater Grand Junction Area in attracting new and enhancing existing sporting events that capitalize on our assets, positively impact our economy and community, and deliver the highest level of customer service.

USA Cycling, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., is the official governing body for all disciplines of competitive cycling in the United States. The 501c3, membership-based organization aims both to achieve sustained success in international cycling competition and to grow competitive cycling in America while delivering an exceptional customer experience. USAC produces more than a dozen national championship events annually.