MIDDLETON - What could be the largest cycling race in the Madison area - and among the first of its kind in the United States - is headed for the steep climbs of western Dane County.

And you could be a part of it.

A centurion cycling race is slated for August, with the start and finish proposed near Middleton Airport.

It is based on the European concept of a large-scale race on a professional course, but open to amateurs and recreational cyclists.

It's also different from most other endurance bike races because of its size - with 2,000 to 3,000 cyclists expected in its first year and up to 8,000 envisioned in future years - and its 100-mile distance.

"It will have the look and the feel of a major bike race, but it's not on the professional calendar," said Len Pettyjohn, technical director for North American Sports, which is organizing the event. "I think what it's going to do is put Wisconsin really on the map for a national cycling event that will be really challenging."

The concept differs from many community or charity bike rides that start cyclists in waves, aren't timed or have scheduled stops along the route.

Western Dane County's hilly terrain recently received global attention for the road racing course identified as part of Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid, and a portion of that route likely will be incorporated into the centurion race, organizers said.

"The shocking thing to almost everybody is the degree of difficulty to the Wisconsin course," Pettyjohn said.

Cyclists who have a racing license will be seeded based on ability. Other racers will be lined up by age.

Part of a new cycling series

Centurion cycling is a new idea in bike racing for the United States, and Middleton is one of three places North American Sports plans to hold races in its inaugural season. Other venues for 2010 are Boulder, Colo., in July and Mammoth Lakes, Calif., in September.

"We're pretty excited to be among the first" venues, said Tim Hyland, vice president of operations for the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau, which has been working to secure the event for about six months.

Officials are still studying the economic effect the centurion cycling event could have on the Middleton area.

The Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates the Ironman Wisconsin competition's approximately 2,400 athletes and their fans - totaling more than 30,000 people - spend at least $2.3 million in the Madison area each year.

North American Sports, which brought the Ironman to Madison and ran it for seven years until the franchise was sold to World Triathlon Corp., is behind the new cycling event.

As with Ironman events, riders can compete in multiple races and accrue points based on their finish. A national champion will be crowned at the final event in California.

The ride would have 25-, 50- and 100-mile courses, with the shortest distance intended as an introduction to people who have not competed in distance cycling events.

Organizers still need approval from Middleton and Dane County leaders for everything from airport use to road closures before plans are finalized and a date is set.

Possible snag: Airport as venue

Hyland presented the idea to Middleton's Airport Commission last week, and members expressed concern about the security of the airport, hangars and airplanes.

Preliminary plans call for using the airport's aircraft parking area for 30 to 40 vendor tents, a meal area and awards ceremony. The race would start on Airport Road and head west toward Blue Mounds. Cyclists would complete various loops depending on the race distance and finish back on Airport Road. A final course has not yet been determined.

Hyland said the event would not close the airport but could restrict business for up to four days during the event. Airport Road would need to be closed west of Deming Way, but it's unknown for how long.

The city Airport Commission directed Hyland to work out more logistics with the city and the airport's manager.

"This would be huge for Wisconsin. Really, if we can ... we should find a way to do it," said Mark Opitz, Middleton's assistant planning director who staffs the commission. "Like Ironman, this event is another great opportunity to draw tourists to the Madison area. It is the result of a lot of efforts to make our region the bicycling capital of the Midwest."

Alternate locations are in the works, but the airport is the first choice because of its proximity to western Dane County, its large amount of flat, paved space and because the effect of closing streets would be less than doing so in Downtown Madison, Hyland said.

The goal is to nail down a final date and place by the end of the year, he said.

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