7 replies to this topic

[Nik]

This just in from Caryn Giarratano, MODOTs Bike/Ped Coordinator:

Quote

Tour de Missouri??? – If you would like to be involved in the discussion
stage regarding a professional bicycle race in Missouri, please contact
Jody Larison in Governor Blunt’s office at 573-751-2829 or email her at
jody.larison@mo.gov

.

I don't know anything else about this.

Nik

[mikew]

Probably not going to occur this year.  But.  Caryn Giaratanno, the Missouri Board of Tourism, and the Gov. are all interested in having this event.  On a Pro level. Strange but true.  They have been in touch with USA Cycling and are gathering information.

mw

[54x12]

This would be awesome.

Missouri Tourism or the Gov's office should send somebody to watch the 2006 Tour of Georgia. Attending this event would give them a good idea as to the potential a well organized Pro race could bring to our state.

[phawley]

They should also send the MO State Trooper who would be in charge of the Tour de MO to observe what pride the GA State POlice take in being a pert of the race!

[cooper]

maybe they could do it at babler, we all realize what a GREAT course it is for a road race.

[Nik]

I think that a pro-level, statewide race would be awesome.  Missouri has as much, if not more to offer than Georgia.  All it takes is a highly successful startup race for it to become a popular annual event.

I hope Mike, Rich, Adrienne and the other local promoters offer their expertise to the State.

Please keep us posted!

Nik

[bobber]

Wouldn't be much in the way of climbing in MO would there?  Maybe something down around or near Branson?

[klages]

Quote

Missouri has as much, if not more to offer than Georgia.

In some respects that is true.  You never see the T of G use the southern half of Georgia.

I think we have enough good riding in the state to host a race.  My brother works with a guy who did RAAM and he considered MO one of the tougher states to cross.  But, I'm not aware of anything in MO like Wolfpen Gap, Neels Gap, or Hogpen Gap.  Much less Brasstown Bald.  Not that you necessarily need big climbs.