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Some of the teams that compete in the Tour de France could race in the Grand Prix of Portland in 2015.

(Associated Press)

Portland, a city that fancies itself to be America's bike capital, could host a world-class cycling event in 2015.

Plans are under way for the city to host a major professional cycling race on Aug. 29, 2015, in downtown. Dubbed the Grand Prix of Portland, the race would cover about 115 miles, with a one-day format that would be run like a stage of the Tour de France.

"All the difficult things are done," said Ed Ellis, a veteran sports organizer who is helping to put the event together. "We got the international federation to bless us, we've got the city on board."

Union Cycliste Intertionale (commonly called UCI), which governs cycling worldwide, has placed the race on its 2015 calendar, the event has the blessing of USA Cycling, and the city of Portland has issued a letter of intent to allow the race to happen, Ellis said.

Organizers expect some of the top teams in the world to compete, including many who compete in the Tour de France. The course would run about 10 miles starting at the waterfront and go into the West Hills and back, with riders covering it 10 times.

An official announcement on the event, which has started a Facebook page, could come in mid-September.

Ellis, a veteran of several big-time sports events in Portland who helped run the highly successful Fred Meyer Challenge golf exhibition, was brought on board to help procure sponsors.

"Right now we're putting together packages," Ellis said. "Obviously, it's not an inexpensive thing to put on, and we need financial support from sponsors."

The event also is in negotiations with NBC to have the event televised, probably as a delayed highlights package.

-- Mike Tokito | @mtokito