Governor Blunt Honors Inaugural Bike Race; Proclaims Tour of Missouri Month

Gov. Matt Blunt today presented Mike Weiss, Missouri president USA Cycling, with a proclamation declaring September Tour of Missouri Month in honor of Missouri's first ever statewide professional bicycle race. The first annual Tour of Missouri race is scheduled September 11-16, 2007.

"The Tour of Missouri provides the opportunity to showcase Missouri's natural beauty and hospitality to the world," Gov. Blunt said. "The tour will span the state and bring tourists and visitors to communities across Missouri. This special event will not only be a lot of fun, it will generate economic growth and bolster our tourism industry. It has been a pleasure working with Lieutenant Governor to bring the tour to Missouri and I am pleased to issue this proclamation declaring September Tour of Missouri Month."

"I believe The Tour of Missouri Pro Cycling Race will soon find its way into the hearts of many Missourians. I thank Governor Blunt for his vision and support to help make this great race a reality. I am proud that the Governor has asked me to lead the team that has worked so hard to make the Tour of Missouri a success" Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder said.

The Tour of Missouri professional bicycle race will involve athletes that compete in the Tour de France, the Vuelta a España, the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de Georgia, and the Tour of California. The national and international coverage of the race will highlight the state's countryside and communities that include Kansas City, Clinton, Springfield, Branson, Lebanon, Columbia, Jefferson City, St. Charles and St. Louis among others. The tour routes will vary each year and will spread the tourism benefits throughout the entire state.

For more information about the Tour of Missouri visit www.tourofmissouri.com/.