The 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge will again host a nationwide contest inviting artists to create unique event posters for not only each of the 12 host cities, but also a national event poster that will be seen throughout the world.

All types of artists – professional, amateur, aspiring – are encouraged to submit their designs via the USA Pro Cycling Challenge Facebook page. Entries will be accepted until March 16, with the winners announced on April 16.

Once the contest closes on March 16, a panel of Aspen locals will the select the Aspen winner from a pool of finalists, which will be printed as Aspen’s official 2012 UPCC poster, available for purchase and celebrated on ACRA’s social media platforms. Sales of the Aspen poster will benefit Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club (AVSC).

Aspen is the only city to host two stages, including the “Silver Queen” stage, and the hometown to elite racers, including Tejay Van Garderen.

Artists are encouraged to highlight Aspen’s dramatic natural beauty, incomparable cycling terrain and unique outdoor-adventure culture that together defy ordinary.

Each winner of the poster contest will receive $500 cash, four VIP passes to the hospitality tent at race finish, and national recognition and exposure for his or her artwork.

Once the entries are in, the race’s Facebook fans will have a chance to cast their votes for the three best posters for each host city and the 10 best national posters.

From there, special panels of judges consisting of dignitaries, media and city officials will select each of the winners.

Winners will have their posters produced and sold to race fans both online and on site during the Aug. 20-26 race. A portion of the proceeds from the national poster will be donated to America’s Road Home.

All entries must be submitted via the USA Pro Challenge Facebook contest page (only online entries will be eligible). This requires either that the artwork be in digital media format or that a digital photograph of the artwork be posted in accordance with the rules, terms and conditions adopted by Facebook. Each file must be in JPEG format and otherwise comply with Facebook’s requirements for posting images. Multiple entries can be submitted, but must be submitted at the same time.

This is a skill-based contest and chance plays no part in the determination of winners. There is no fee to enter and no purchase is required. Official rules for the program can be found at http://www.facebook.com/USAProCyclingChallenge.