The group behind Northern Colorado’s bid for the USA Pro Challenge is looking to raise as much as $600,000 to bring the bike race to Larimer County.

Half of that sum has already been verbally committed to the cause, contingent upon Northern Colorado’s bid being selected by the powers that be within USA Pro Challenge, according to Jim Clark, executive director of the Fort Collins Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Various municipalities, local organizations and a private donor who wishes to remain anonymous have all agreed to contribute financially and with in-kind services, in the event that Northern Colorado is chosen as a host for a stage of the bike race.

So far, $50,000 in commitments have been made by the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland each. Windsor and Estes Park have verbally committed $10,000 each, as has the Fort Collins Downtown Business Association. The Fort Collins CVB has committed $20,000.

NoCoCycling, a committee made up of tourism experts, cycling aficionados and local business owners is working to assemble Northern Colorado’s bid, which must be submitted to USA Pro Challenge by Nov. 16. Winning bids will be announced in December.

The bid will recommend