The significance of the newest event added to USA Cycling’s Pro Tour is starting to sink in. The Tour of Missouri Stage Race falls approximately two weeks before the 2007 World Road Championships. The press conference in St. Louis was kicked off with short speeched by Missouri Governor Matt Blunt and Lt. Governor Peter Kinder. But what caught the ear of most of the cyclists in attendence were comments by three time U.S. Pro Champ Fred Rodriguez. Fast Freddy noted that with the proximity to the World’s date, "Some of the top guys could come over….we could see a Bettini." The UCI designation of this event requires participation by at least 5 non North American Pro Teams. As this event is invitation only AND the team must be D1 or D2 the event will already have a cast of the top racers in the world.
Also on the panel introducing the event were Kevin Livingston and Springfield’s Brad Huff. Brad, the current US Pro Criterium Champion added some action to the event by taking a tumble off the stage. Showing those same reflexes that enable him to dice it up at 40 mph in a corner, he recovered nicely with no injuries.
The event will be managed by Medalist Sports (the folks that manage Tour of California and Tour of Georgia). The likely details of the event: A circuit race start in Kansas City. Approximately 600 miles divided into 8 stages over 6 days. 8 Top domestic pro teams, 2 top international teams, and 6 European Pro Tour teams. 8 riders to a team with a $100,000 prize list. While the exact route won’t be finalized until near the end of the year, expect liason Kevin Livingston to look for hills in the southern part of the state and a finish in St. Louis.
Localcycling.com was able to talk to both Brad Huff and Fred Rodriguea about their take on the event. Huff was definetly excited about racing on the hills near Springfield he grew up on, and showing the rest of the world that the midwest is far from flat. Rodriguez noted that the crowds, courses and accomadations at both the California and Georgia Tours have made domestic races very attractive to riders from outside the U.S.
It was also noted that all three riders on the panel were about ‘giving back’ to the sport. Livingston and Huff were excited about the visibility that the race will bring to their home state and it’s impact on health and fitness. Fred Rodriguez spoke on his developmental foundation to help developing youth.