Governor’s Column - February 1, 2008
by Governor Matt Blunt
Missouri's World Class Bicycle Race
Last year the inaugural Tour of Missouri showcased to the world Missouri's beautiful scenery, kind hospitality, great food and challenging cycling terrain.
The Tour started with a simple idea. Three years ago, I received a letter about the Tour de Georgia from a friend who is an avid cyclist. After reading about the Tour de Georgia and considering the benefits a professional cycling race would bring to Missouri, I formed a steering committee, headed by Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder to determine how we could use a world class cycling event to showcase Missouri.
In October 2006, our hard work paid off and we were awarded the USA Cycling and UCI sanctioned event that is now known as the Tour of Missouri.
Last September, fifteen cycling teams competed on a six day, six hundred mile journey across our state. The field included the Discovery Team, fresh off their championships at the Tour de France. In a testament to just how successful we were in publicizing the race within the cycling community, it was the first time since 1986 that the reigning Tour de France champion raced within the United States in the same season as winning cycling's biggest event.
The Tour of Missouri took riders and fans through some of the most beautiful areas in our state. The Tour kicked off in Kansas City, continued through Truman Lake, the Katy Trail, Branson, the Mark Twain National Forest, the State Capital, Missouri wine country and concluded in St. Louis.
The Tour of Missouri was a tremendous success because of Missouri's show-me attitude. Missourians showed the world our state's warm hospitality and generous spirit.
A report completed by the University of Missouri-Columbia concluded that the economic impact of the Tour was better than anticipated and generated $26.2 million in economic activity for our state. A majority of economic activity came from non-Missouri residents, who spent an estimated $21.1 million at Missouri hotels, restaurants, and shops. Along the entire route, riders were greeted by more than 360,000 spectators.
I know that Missourians are eagerly awaiting the 2008 Tour of Missouri and stand ready to make it an even bigger success. The 2008 Tour will kickoff in St. Joseph on September 8, and finish in St. Louis on September 14. The race is expected to cover about 600 miles and cyclists will pedal through Kansas City, Clinton, Springfield, Branson, Lebanon, Rolla, St. James, Jefferson City, Hermann, and St. Charles.
Once again, cycling enthusiasts will be treated to our warm hospitality and natural beauty in the fall. Our state will continue to benefit from the Tour of Missouri because of increased opportunity created by hundreds of thousands of cycling enthusiasts who will visit Missouri to enjoy this international cycling event.