This morning's ride to work was snowy and slushy, but there was a glimmer of August sunshine in the minds of Denver's cycling enthusiats. The USA Pro Challenge announced the host cities for the third annual "Tour de Colorado" which is set to descend on the Centennial State from August 19-25, 2013. 

The race will start in Aspen, which was home to a well-received 2011 finish and finish/start combination in 2012. The 2013 route will make familiar stops in Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, Beaver Creek, and Denver. Unlike 2012, the final stage in Denver will return to a circuit event rather than a time trial, which will give fans a chance to see riders cruise city streets as a pack. The 2013 time trial returns to Vail which hosted the individual event in 2011.

New cities chosen for the Challenge include Fort Collins and Loveland. Boulder and Durango decided not to pursue invitations to host a stage of the 2013 race, and Grand Junction was declined a spot for the third year in a row. 

The specific routes will be announced at a later date.

Follow editorial assistant Lindsey R. McKissick on Twitter at @LindseyRMcK.