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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- The first ever USA Pro Cycling Challenge began in Colorado Springs Monday with a time trial from Garden of the Gods to downtown.

The Colorado Springs run is only 5.2 miles, but the prologue stage starts a six-stage, seven-day event covering 518 miles throughout the state.

Roughly 130 cyclists from 16 different countries will compete in the challenge, which has been described as a smaller version of the Tour de France.

Thousands of spectators cheered when the inaugural race pedaled into action.

"This is outstanding!" Don Wilson, a spectator who watched cyclists take off in Garden of the Gods, said. "There's younger kids and older people here. It's exciting!"

From Garden of the Gods to the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, cycling fans lined the streets to catch a quick glimpse of cyclists as they sped by on Colorado Avenue.

"The Tour de France podium winners are always good to see," Fred Workman, another spectator, said.

The race was expected to be the largest spectator event in Colorado. Pro cyclist Freddie Rodriguez said he appreciated the fans' attendance and motivation.

"It makes a difference when the crowd is out there," he said. "I've done smaller races and couldn't give the same efforts as I did in the big races and I think it has a lot to do with the motivation of the public."

Patrick Gretsch of Germany finished the time trial first in 8:27. He will wear the leader jersey Tuesday for stage one.

Bikers will begin stage one in Salida, where they will climb as high as 11,318 feet on their way to Crested Butte.

The event will end Friday in Denver.

Video of Alzate crossing the finish line: