Time running out to ride where the pros will ride in next week's USA Pro Cycling Challenge

As the clock continues to click down the hours until the world's best cyclists hit the roads of Colorado next week for the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge, local riders are also on the clock as time is running short to register for the Scout the Stage Citizen's Ride on August 26.

Beginning at 11:15 a.m., the route will take riders from underneath the start truss in Avon over the opening 15 miles of Stage 4 in advance of the pro peloton, ending at 4 Eagle Ranch. The ride is open to riders of all abilities.

Registration is currently priced at $100 per person through Tuesday, August 23. Beginning August 24, the registration fee will increase to $125. In addition to participating in the Scout the Stage ride, the registration fee also includes a special commemorative Scout the Stage jersey and gift bag, a BBQ lunch at 4 Eagle and the best seat in the house as the pros begin the climb up to Wolcott Divide and on to Steamboat.

As an added bonus, all Scout the Stage participants will be eligible to win an autographed jersey from 2011 Tour de France champion Cadel Evans. Evans, along with second and third place Tour finishers Andy and Frank Schleck and a top notch international field, will be on the start line in Vail and Avon for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

“In addition to having the ability to literally pace the race,” explained Michael Imhof, Vice President of Sales and Operations for the Vail Valley Foundation, “having a chance to win a jersey signed by Cadel is a tremendous bonus. We hope everyone will join in the celebration of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge and get out on their bikes for Scout the Stage.”

To register for Scout the Stage, logon to www.active.com.There will be no day-of registration and participation is limited to 300 entrants. For those riders that have family or friends joining them at 4 Eagle, additional lunches may be purchased for $25 at the time of registration. All lunches must be pre-purchased.

The inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge descends on the Vail Valley August 25 and 26, with the Vail Pass Time Trial on Thursday, August 25, and the Avon to Steamboat stage set for Friday, August 26.