Change of direction for the Tour of Missouri

Posted on 28. Jan, 2009 by in news, race

The Tour of Missouri announced an overview of its 2009 route  and for the first time, the race reverse directions going east to west starting in St. Louis and finishing in Kansas City.  The 7-stage race which runs from Sept. 7-13 will bypass southwest Missouri and the riders will go through southeast Missouri for the first time.

The change of direction means a new timetrial stage, gone is the very tough course in Branson. Also, there will now be two circuit races bookending the 2.HC race.  Also announced is partnership between the Tour of Missouri and the Gateway Cup, touted as the largest amateur cycling event for road cycling in the country, in St. Louis.  The Gateway Cup, scheduled for September 4-7, will feature four days of racing on by more than 1,100 competitive amateur cyclists and conclude with the Tour of Missouri Woman’s Classic.

Christian Vande Velde and his Garmin-Slipstream squad have committed to returning to  defend his title. Floyd Landis has also stated that he will be present with his new team OUCH. And current USA Road Champion Tyler Hamilton of Rock Racing has stated his intention to participate in the stage race (of course, that is if Rock Racing is still in existence given its search for a co-sponsor).

   2008 Route:

  • 1 circuit race: St. Louis
  • 1 individual time trial: Branson
  • 5 road races:
    • St. Joseph to Kansas City
    • Clinton to Springfield
    • Lebanon to Rolla
    • St. James to Jefferson City
    • Hermann to St. Charles
     2009 Route

  • 2 circuit races: 
    • St. Louis
    • Kansas City
  • 1 individual time trial: Sedalia
  • 4 road races: 
    • Ste. Genevieve to Cape Girardeau
    • Farmington to Rolla
    • St. James to Jefferson City
    • Chillicothe to St. Joseph

Stage by stage courses will be announced at a later date.

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