On September 8, 2008, millions of sports fans from across the globe will turn their attention to Missouri. That's the day when the 2nd annual Tour of Missouri cycling stage race begins its seven day trek from St. Joseph to St. Louis.
The race is a traditional stage race (like the Tour de France), in which elite professional cycling teams compete in separate point-to-point stages, earning time credits for each stage won, and ultimately hoping to have the best overall time after the final stage. In 2008, the race once again ends in St. Louis, but beforehand visits several surrounding cities and towns, including Hermann, Washington and St. Charles.
2008 Tour of Missouri Stages and Host Cities
This year the race expands from six to seven stages, and will begin in St. Joseph versus Kansas City. The official stages and their respective host cities for 2008 are:
Stage 1: St. Joseph – Kansas City
September 08, 2008 (12:30 pm - 4:30 pm)
Stage 2: Clinton - Springfield
September 09, 2008 (11:00 am - 4:00 pm)
Stage 3: Branson Time Trial
September 10, 2008 (11:00 am - 2:15 pm)
Stage 4: Lebanon - Rolla
September 11, 2008 (11:00 am - 3:30 pm)
Stage 5: St. James – Jefferson City
September 12, 2008 (2:00 pm - 6:30 pm)
Stage 6: Hermann – St. Charles
September 13, 2008 (12:30 pm - 4:45 pm)
Stage 7: St. Louis Circuit
September 14, 2008 (2:00 pm - 5:30 pm)
At each stage, tens of thousands of visitors will line up along the race route to watch and cheer. Last year's race actually drew the largest number of live spectators of any sporting event in Missouri history. More than 50,000 came out for the final St. Louis stage alone, and an estimated 350,000 caught the race statewide. But that's just a drop in the bucket. Tens of millions of cycling fans followed the race online, on TV, or through newspaper or radio coverage. People in 73 countries, many of whom had probably never heard of Missouri, tuned in one way or another.
Why is it such a big deal? The Tour of Missouri is one of a select few races that comprise the UCI American Tour. Only two races in North America are considered more prestigious or difficult (the Tour de Georgia and the Tour of California). That means the Tour of Missouri draws some of the best teams and biggest names in cycling.
See the Same Top Teams as the Tour de France
This year's race includes the world's top ranked team, Team Columbia, which just won five stages at the Tour de France. Team Columbia's captain, American George Hincapie, was last year's Tour of Missouri champion and has been quite vocal about his support for the race, even allowing his likeness to be used on all official Tour of Missouri promotional materials.
In addition to Team Columbia, the Tour of Missouri roster includes Toyota-United, one of the best U.S. teams, and Italy's Team Liquigas, led by Filippo Pozzato. Pozzato is a two-time Tour de France stage winner. The complete team roster for the 2008 Tour of Missouri includes:
Columbia (U.S.)
Liquigas (Italy)
Toyota-United (U.S.)
Garmin-Chipotle (U.S.)
HealthNet (U.S.)
Sparkasse (Germany)
Tecos (Mexico)
Symmetrics (Canada)
BMC (U.S.)
Rock Racing (U.S.)
Bissell (U.S.)
Colavita Sutter Home (U.S.)
Jelly Belly (U.S.)
Kelly Benefits Strategies-Medifast (U.S.)
Rabobank (The Netherlands)
Where to Catch the Action
Residents of the St. Louis area have several opportunities to watch the race. Spectators can catch the anticipation at the starting line in Hermann, watch the cyclists buzz through towns such as Washington, or be there for a sprint to the finish in St. Charles or St. Louis. And of course, with the race stretching out more than 600 miles, there are an unlimited number of places to set up your own viewing party.
Hermann
On September 13, at 12:30 p.m., stage 6 kicks off in Hermann, about 80 minutes west of St. Louis. To welcome visitors and celebrate its selection as a host city, Hermann is planning lots of events before, during and after the Tour. Plans include a street fair the night before, kids races and activities, and of course special events at Hermann's many wineries.
Washington
After Hermann, the 15 teams head toward the Stage 6 finish line in St. Charles. But first they'll loop through historic downtown Washington. Washington's about 45 minutes west of St. Louis, and it too is planning a full day of events surrounding the Tour. Cyclists are expected to blow into town sometime after 1:00 p.m., but the town will have children's activities, food booths and a general festival atmosphere before and after the riders come through.
St. Charles
After leaving Washington, Stage 6 takes the riders down the Winestrasse, through Augusta and O'Fallon and ultimately sprinting toward the finish line along the Missouri River riverfront at St. Charles' Frontier Park. Like Hermann, St. Charles is very proud to be a host city, and it too is throwing a party to welcome the Tour and spectators. Riders are expected around 3:00 p.m., but the city's hosting a Health & Wellness Expo from 1-5 p.m., in Frontier Park. But don't let the Expo's name deter you. In addition to health related booths and vendors, there will also be plenty of music, children's activities and vendors selling food and beverages.
St. Louis
On September 14, Stage 7, the race's grand finale, begins and ends in downtown St. Louis. Because the start and finish happen at the same location (the intersection of Market and Tucker), spectators can easily catch both. The City is certainly doing all it can to keep people around for the whole race. Before the final stage begins, there's an autograph event, and of course, after the finish, there's the excitement of the awards ceremony. St. Louis is also planning a full festival of exhibits, food and cycling clinics before, during and after the race.
Be a Volunteer
If you want to do more than cheer on the cyclists, there are dozens of ways to become involved as a volunteer. Positions range from being a single stage "Course Marshal" (securing intersections, etc.) to being involved for the entire Tour. Each host city also needs volunteers to help coordinate events and work the festivals. Details about the types of positions needed are on the Tour's website. Or call the tourism offices of any of the Tour's host cities.
