From the Denver Post

The U.S. Pro Cycling Challenge hasn't finalized its team invitations yet but it can write down one big individual name in felt pen. Taylor Phinney, the Boulder High grad and 2008 Olympian, said Wednesday he will take part in the race's second edition in his home state.

"I will do the tour of Colorado," Phinney said Wednesday from Levico Terme, Italy, where he's competing in the Giro del Trentino. "Nothing will keep me from doing the tour of Colorado."

Phinney, 21, missed Colorado's highly successful inaugural race last August while competing in his first Grand Tour, the Vuelta de Espana where he lasted until Stage 12. While his Swiss-based BMC Racing Team hasn't announced it will race again in Colorado, race insiders say it has been invited.

"I'm beyond excited for that," Phinney said. "In scalding hot Spain, (I was) just getting my butt kicked last year during the tour of Colorado and this year I'm putting my Grand Tour dues in early with the Giro (d'Italia)."

(Photo provided by BMC Racing Team)