UPCC News: Economic Impact and Spectator Profile

In a high-ceilinged wing of the Colorado State Capitol, under the watchful eyes of portraits of former governors including Governor Ritter, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Governor John Hickenlooper, and Shawn Hunter shared news about the economic impact of the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge (UPCC).

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock at podium

Shawn Hunter, Govenor Hickenlooper (l to r)

Behind them stood the mayors or other city representatives of the inaugural host cities, each eager to be reselected for 2012. And in the shadows along the wall an attentive Richard Schaden observed. One of the pieces of information conveyed: the continued financial support and vision of Richard and Rick Schaden who invested $10 million to get the UPCC off the ground.

Brian Farris, UPCC COO and Richard Schaden (l to r)

Speakers referred to the slow start of the race in an almost apologetic fashion, then continued to express how the addition of Shawn Hunter, CEO and co-chair of the UPCC, moved the event forward.

Some highlights of the economic impact and visitor survey follow; full details are available in the official press release:

• The UPCC created more than $83.5 million in economic impact to the State of Colorado. Direct spending by traveling spectators accounted for more than $67 million of this amount.
• Average spectator household income: $113,918.
• 94% of on-site spectators said they are likely or very likely to return to watch the race in 2012.
• Almost 85% of out-of-state visitors are more likely or much more likely to visit Colorado again based on their experiences at the UPCC.
• 55% of spectators were male, 45% female.
• Spectators from 16 countries outside of the U.S. watched the race.
• 95% of the spectators cycle at least occasionally.
• On average, spectators attended 2.9 stages.

Denver borrowable B-cycle

A Denver official arrived at the State Capitol on a “B-cycle,” one of 510 bikes available at 51 stations throughout the city for public use. In the next year 250 new bikes will be added to the current stable of sturdy machines.