The Tour of Missouri bike race will bring dozens of world-class cyclists to St. Louis on Sunday, September 14. Once again this year, St. Louis has the honor of hosting the final stage of the race. Here are the details on when and where to see the Tour in St. Louis, plus information about the all the events planned to welcome and entertain spectators and visitors before, during and after the big race.
When and Where to See the Race
Stage seven of the Tour of Missouri is a circuit race that begins and ends in the shadow of the Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis. The 75 mile circuit takes the cyclists through some of St. Louis' most popular areas including the Central West End and Forest Park.
The Course:
Stage seven begins and ends at the same location, at the intersection of Market and Tucker in downtown St. Louis. From the starting line, the cyclists will race west down Market to Forest Park Parkway, then take the parkway west to DeBalievere where they will turn and enter Forest Park. After circling around the park, the riders go through the heart of the Central West End, then head back downtown going east on Olive to Tucker and crossing the finish line at Tucker and Market.
Time:
The cyclists will begin the St. Louis circuit at about 2 p.m., and are expected to cross the finish line around 4:45 p.m. After the race, there is a big awards ceremony for the overall winners. The ceremony should end around 6 p.m.
Best Places to See the Action
St. Louis is setting up "fan zones" throughout the city where spectators can go and watch the race. The best locations for viewing are the start/finish line at Market and Tucker, the Central West End Bar District, the Grand Basin (Art Hill) in Forest Park and Union Station. Each "fan zone" will have music, food and drinks to keep visitors entertained while waiting for the cyclists.
Events Before and After the Race
St. Louis is also planning a full weekend of race-related events beginning on Saturday, September 13. There's a family fun festival and free movie screening at Union Station, plus amateur cyclists can take their turn riding the same St. Louis circuit used for the race.
Trailnet Racecourse Ramble
September 13, 8:30 a.m.
Bring your bike to downtown St. Louis on Saturday morning and you can ride all or part of the same course the pros will ride on Sunday. The ramble will last for about three hours. Participants should meet at 13th and Chestnut in downtown St. Louis. Registration is required.
Free Movie Night
September 13, 7 p.m.
Get into the cycling spirit with a free screening of the movie "American Flyers" under the Train Shed at Union Station. You can also meet the St. Louis man who played Kevin Costner's double in the movie. Ted Kinsella will be on hand to sign autographs and talk about his role in the film.
Family Fun Village
September 13, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
September 14, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
The Family Fun Village features free entertainment and activities for race spectators near the start/finish line in downtown St. Louis. There will be BMX skills demonstrations, live music, bike helmet fittings and low-cost helmets on sale. You can also register to win a bicycle and get free smoothies from Trailnet.
