Colorado Classic organizers were willing to try new ways to make bike racing a success in the Centennial State, starting with the 2.HC men's race and the women's race on the US National Calendar, which they hoped would attract a crossover crowd of big-name stars The first was to combine the 2.HC men's race and the women's race of the US National Calendar with a concert at "Velorama" by big-name stars who hoped to attract crossover fans.

But this year, with Velorama gone, organizers took the unusual step of eliminating the men's event and funding a women's-only UCI 2.1 race: four stages took the international peloton from Steamboat to Avon to Golden, with the finale in Denver's Down Town, in the shadow of Coors Stadium.

Chloe Diggart Owen (Showair Twenty20) swept the four stages, all the jerseys, and the overall win, but the real winner, with sponsor VF Corporation's decision to return for at least one more year in 2020, was the American It may have been women's racing in general.

The women raced for a total prize purse of $75,000 this year ($5,000 more than the men in 2018) and crowdfunded tens of thousands more for prime and local charities during live video broadcasts of every stage of the race.

In this edition of the Cycling News Podcast, Kirsten Frattini and Pat Malach discuss their impressions of the race and the possibilities for the future. Also, Allie Dragoo of Showair Twenty20, who retired on the final stage; Katie Hall of Boels Dolman; Israeli champion Omer Shapira; Lindsey Goldman, rider and owner of Hagens Berman SuperMint; Be Pink's Director Sportif, Walter Zini, and Colorado Classic race director Sean Petty also spoke with us.

This podcast was brought to you courtesy of Sportful, Pinarello, Frods of Leadville, and Wattbike. To subscribe to the Cycling News podcast, click here.http://apple.co/32jXDgY（新しいタブで開く）

Sponsor Message

Born in the Dolomites of Italy, Sportful has been helping athletes get faster, more efficient, and safer since 1972. Official apparel supplier to Team Virtue Cycling, Bora Hansgrohe, and Bahrain Merida.

Proi Shoe clothing, including the Body Fit Pro and Fiandre lines worn by Marta Bastianelli, Peter Sagan, and Vincenzo Nibali, are available to all cyclists.

Body Fit Pro is a form-fitting design with an emphasis on enhanced aerodynamics, made especially for the rigors of professional bicycle racing. The versatile Fiandre line utilizes proprietary technology to keep you dry and comfortable in inclement and changeable weather. Sportful leads the market with innovative and technical clothing, delivering unforgettable moments and the best bike life has to offer. For more information, visit sportful.com (opens in new tab). Follow the ride on Instagram @sportful.