Lance Armstrong meets again with Colorado governor to discuss Coors Classic revival in 2011

Author: James Raia

Lance Armstrong likes beer and cycling as much the next enthusiast, and cycling and beer seem to like the seven-time Tour de France winner.

Armstrong has just signed a three-year partnership to promote Michelob ULTRA, a beer brand manufactured by Anheuser-Busch IbnBev. And he's also again just met with with Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter to resume discussion of reviving the Coors International Bicycle Classic, once the pre-eminent U.S. stage race.

Armstrong, with Ritter's support, hopes to rekindle the Coors Classic in 2011. It was last held in 1988 and sponsored by the Colorado brewery.

"There is no reason the Coors Classic doesn't come back. I think U.S. cycling needs it," Armstrong told Associated Press.

Armstrong and Ritter were joined by Connie and Davis Phinney for the discussions about reviving a stage race in Colorado. Davis, the father of Trek-Livestrong rider Taylor, was the to win the event sponsored by the Coors Brewing Company in 1988.

Armstrong and Ritter have met to discuss the project on several other occasions.

"I think Lance Armstrong is committed to some kind of race in Colorado. This is a big deal for us," Ritter said.

Greg LeMond and Bernard Hinault were among other internationally famous Coors Classic titlists. In 1986, the event held just prior to the World Championships of Cycling in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Posted in: SPORTS