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Missouri Bicycle Federation
Tour of Missouri News & InfoNews and information about the Tour of Missouri Professional Bicycle Race, planned for September 2007-2008-2009. |
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Missouri Bicycle Federation, Inc.
Post Office Box 104871 Jefferson City, MO 65110-4871 MoBikeFed is a 501(c)(4) non-profit corporation Webmaster email: webmaster @ mobikefed .org |
Please send suggestions for Tour of MO News & Info items to webmaster@mobikefed.org
 News items represent the views of the original writer or publisher, and not necessarily those of the Missouri Bicycle Federation, Inc.
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Saturday, September 29, 2007
According to Post-Dispatch columnist Kathleen Nelson:
Mark your calendars for Sept. 9 to 14, 2008. The UCI has.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
TV COVERAGE OF THE TOUR OF MISSOURI ON VERSUS
The 2-hour special on the Tour of Missouri will be broadcast on the Versus channel (available on cable or satellite TV) at these times: * 9/22/2007 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm (CDT) TOUR OF MISSOURI(Note that the times above are CENTRAL TIME. Adjust accordingly if you are in a different time zone.) ONLINE VIDEO OF THE TOUR--ARCHIVED COVERAGE There is very good video coverage of each stage, more extensive than they will be able to show on Versus, and including live commentary and interviews, archived at:
HOW TO FIND YOUR LOCAL VERSUS CHANNEL If you need to know what channel Versus is in your local area, you can type in your zip code here and find out: Versus.com
A spectator caught a very close-up view of Brad Huff's crash on the Stage 6 sprint. Huff touched handlebars with another rider, causing him to veer into the barricades. Fortunately he landed well and, after a few minutes, was able to get up and finish the race:
GrassKnollTV has video coverage of the full Stage 6 sprint. Parkvillemonet caught some nice footage of the peloton going through the S-curve in downtown Parkville: Lots more Tour of Missouri videos on YouTube and Google Video.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
The FREE Tour of Missouri 2007 screensaver has high-quality photos from each stage of the Tour of Missouri 2007--many of them available nowhere else.
The screensaver has everything from Contador, Hincapie, Leipheimer, Pate, Pagliarini, and Dominguez to crashes to kids to moderately crazy people to beautiful Missouri landscapes and bridges--things you might not have seen even if you watched the whole race in person. Two ways to download the ToM 2007 screensaver:
      Download the screensaver either of these ways:
Wesley Stephen, a Tour of Missouri volunteer and fan, writes about his experience with the Tour, watching on Schluersburg Road near the end of Stage 5:
 It was my pleasure serving as a volunteer (in downtown St. Charles) and as a fan out on the course at the KOM competition in Augusta. The atmosphere on Schluersburg Rd. was truly electric and pregnant with anticipation. With hundreds of spectators lining the street (some arriving as early as 9:30 am that morning), it was clear that we were there to witness an unforgettable event.We'd love to see your fan or volunteer experience posted here. Please write up a few paragraphs and send to director [at] mobikefed.org.
New Tour of Missouri computer wallpaper from Stages 2 through 6, for your downloading & sharing pleasure:
Contador Signs Autographs in Clinton - Stage 2:  Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy Mia Sullivan Hincapie Wins in Springfield - Stage 2:  Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy Mia Sullivan Levi Leipheimer Rides Branson Time Trial - Stage 3:  Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy John Pierce, Photosport International Contador, Leipheimer, Hincapie Lead the Pack - Stage 4:  Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy John Pierce, Photosport International Stage 4 - Peleton Crosses Missouri River Bridge at Jefferson City:  Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy John Pierce, Photosport International Pagliarini Wins Stage 4 in Columbia:  Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy John Pierce, Photosport International Stage 5 - Discovery leads Peloton up Schluersberg Hill:  Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy John Pierce, Photosport International Stage 6 Sprint - Dominguez wins, Brad Huff crashes:  Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy John Pierce, Photosport International Discovery Team Bids Farewell to America - Stage 6, St. Louis:  Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy John Pierce, Photosport International All images hosted on Flickr.
Friday, September 21, 2007
MoBikeFed would like to have someone to cover the Tour of Missouri 2008 for its Tour of Missouri blog.
This would involve: * Taking photographs, using them in your news stories/blog posts, and uploading them to a photo sharing site like Flickr, preferably making them available on a Creative Commons license * Making at least one daily post each day of the Tour to the MoBikeFed Tour of Missouri blog * Any other similar coverage or reporting you would like to do--podcasts, video, etc. Unfortunately we can't pay, but we can offer these perks: * 75,000 monthly visitors to the MoBikeFed web site who will have a very high interest in your work * We will work to get you the best possible press pass we can. No guarantees, but we can probably work out something pretty good. * Non-exclusive (ie, you could freelance or work for other web sites or publications while simultaneously blogging for MoBikeFed) If interested, please contact director@mobikefed.org
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Will Frischkorn of Team Slipstream-Chipotle, who took overall 2nd place in the Tour of MO, fills us in on his perception of the Tour of Missouri and (especially) why the big 15-minute breakaway was able to get away in Stage 2:
Normally I try and refrain from writing race reports. I figure that most people read enough "this guy attacked and then those teams chased that guy and then this team did the lead out and those guys sprinted and that guy won" and if I can come up with something about our lives or experiences that give insight into what racing a bike is all about it might be more interesting. . . .
Friday, September 14, 2007
Race
 fans have been posting some great Tour of Missouri photos on Flickr. If you upload some photos of your own, be sure to tag them with "tourofmissouri".
Thursday, September 13, 2007
The official Tour of Missouri Start List is here (PDF file).
This lists each rider with the rider NUMBER, rider NAME, and rider TEAM. So it is invaluable when watching or following the race.
George Hincapie won Stage Two from Clinton to Springfield, and moved into first place overall. Unfortunately, St. Louisan Dan Schmatz suffered a broken collarbone in a crash caused an armadillo that wondered onto the road. Meanwhile, Charles Huff of Springfield is at #20 over all after the second stage. VeloNews has a recap of the day.
Spectator turnout continued to be big for the second day of the race. An estimated 5,000-10,000 people saw the finish in Springfield. The News-Leader has a special section with lots of coverage and photos. Today is an 18-mile individual time trial in Branson. It's a beautiful course that includes some great scenery along the Ozark Mountain High Road.
These course logs, in Excel format, give greater detail than the basic course logs available at tourofmissouri.com.
If you are just a casual spectator you probably want to stick to the basic course logs. If you are hard-core and don't mind figuring out something more complicated and detailed, and what to know every turn, twist, and detail of the course, every street and alley, here you go:
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Tour of Missouri 2007 wallpaper images for your computer's desktop, from Stage 1:
MoBikeFed Board Member Eric Rogers, who was at Stage 1 in Kansas City today, reports:
 If you haven't heard yet, Ivan Dominguez of Toyota United won Stage 1. It was an awesome day. The city was packed, at least 15,000 at the start/finish line and thousands more along the route.(If you post photos to flickr or similar sites please tag them with both "tourofmissouri" and "tourofmissouri2007")Here is the recap from VeloNews Unofficial estimates had crowd sizes along the entire route at perhaps 40,000. At any rate it was well into the tens of thousands. Web site hits for the day were into the 6 figures. Vendors I talked to said they had sold far more tour-related merchandise than they do when they visit the Tour of Georgia . . . in fact for some items they sold out almost their entire week's alotment in just one day. So if you want ToM swag, you'd better buy it early in the week! So yes--the Tour of Missouri is here and it is here BIG! 
The Tour of Missouri Start List, with rider names and associated race numbers, is invaluable for those who want to follow the race live as a spectator or on TV.
The official Tour of Missouri Start List is here (PDF file).
Clydesdale rode part of Stage 1 with the "Route of Champions" Sunday, and gives his thoughts about the race and spectators:
All in all I would have to say that it is a great course for viewing the race and really getting to experience professional riding at its best. The out and back design allow multiple opportunities to see them as well as the great finishing circuit. It could not have a better venue to see the fireworks. By the way if you are looking for a place to watch for crashes then the last left hander completing the circuit is your spot. It will be fast and is on a slight downhill with an outward slope to it. They referred to it at the volunteer meeting as "Hay Bale Corner". The winning move will have to clear this corner fast on the last lap as it is only 400-500 meters to the finish from there.Podium Cafe looks to have more coverage of the Tour of MO as it develops.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Tour of Missouri computer wallpaper from each of the 2007 Tour's six stages, for your downloading & sharing pleasure. They are sized to work as background images on the most typical computer screen sizes.
Note: There is also a screensaver that has these same images and a lot more. Ivan Dominguez wins ToM 2007 Stage 1 :  Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Photo courtesy Mark Breeding Tour of Missouri 2007 Stage 1 Scenery :  Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Photo courtesy Eric Rogers Contador Signs Autographs in Clinton - Stage 2: Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy Mia Sullivan Hincapie Wins in Springfield - Stage 2: Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy Mia Sullivan Levi Leipheimer Rides Branson Time Trial - Stage 3: Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy John Pierce, Photosport International Contador, Leipheimer, Hincapie Lead the Pack - Stage 4: Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy John Pierce, Photosport International Stage 4 - Peleton Crosses Missouri River Bridge at Jefferson City: Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy John Pierce, Photosport International Pagliarini Wins Stage 4 in Columbia: Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy John Pierce, Photosport International Stage 5 - Discovery leads Peloton up Schluersberg Hill: Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy John Pierce, Photosport International Stage 6 Sprint - Dominguez wins, Brad Huff crashes: Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy John Pierce, Photosport International Discovery Team Bids Farewell to America - Stage 6, St. Louis: Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy John Pierce, Photosport International The images above feature photos from the Tour of Missouri 2007. The images below are preview images created prior to the event--they do not show actual Tour of Missouri winners or races. Rodriguez wins:  Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy John Pierce, Photosport International Rodriguez wins plus "600 miles":  Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy John Pierce, Photosport International Leipheimer-Haedo-Stevic win:  Download: 1024x768 or 1280x1024 Image courtesy John Pierce, Photosport International Images hosted on Flickr.
Details about more Tour of Missouri-related events, festivals, rides, and races are coming into the Tour of Missouri web site calendar.
Some of the highlights:
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Steve Rock of the KCStar writes:
consider this your primer, a Cliffs Notes version of how to — and perhaps how not to — watch the Tour of Missouri bike race that starts Tuesday at the Country Club Plaza.Read the rest of the Star's story here.
Friday, September 7, 2007
According to a CBS Sports story:
Discovery has a few more races left on its calendar. But the inaugural Tour of Missouri, which begins Tuesday in Kansas City, is the final time its top riders will compete together.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
With the biggest pro bicycle race in the history of Missouri--some say the biggest sporting event ever--coming next week, do Missourians know how to watch a bicycle race?
"It's not just a race, it's a rolling parade, a traveling festival," says Missouri Bicycle Federation Executive Director Brent Hugh. "Every seat is free, and every seat is a front row seat. You can get within inches of the athletes as they speed down a straightaway at 40 miles per hour or climb a Missouri hill at breath-taking speeds." As other sports fans know, watching the race is just part of the fun. "Experienced race fans make the race a big party--just like fans who 'tailgate' at a football game," says Hugh. "You bring your friends, your food, your barbecue, your beer--and you have a good time." "At the Tour of Georgia, they tripled the number of spectators from the first year to the second--because those who came the first year went home and told their friends what a great time they had." Here are some tips for those who want to watch the Tour--and have a great time: * There is *no bad place* to watch the Tour. But seasoned fans do tend to seek out certain spots: - Start line, finish line - Sprint points or "King of the Mountain" points mid-race - Feed zones - Long or difficult hills on the route - Any point on the route nearest where they live or work Course logs, available online at http://tourofmissouri.com/stages, list all these points and estimated times of arrival. * Finish line areas will have giant-screen TVs showing live race footage along with color commentary. Fans can watch the race develop on the big screen, then watch the finish live. * Start and finish line areas will have health and wellness expos, exhibits, bands playing, and other events. "It's like a parade, a festival, and a party all rolled into one--and a race besides," says Hugh. * It is possible to plan your day to watch the start, one or more important intermediate points, and then the finish as well. * Those along the route can watch the race live via video feeds at TourofMissouri.com, then go outside at the right time to see the race come by live. This year's Tour de Georgia web site had approximately 2.1 million hits during race week. * The Tour is one of the "big three" U.S. pro tours, along with the Tour of California (estimated 1.8 million spectators this year) and the Tour de Georgia (700,000 spectators this year). Some individual stages in the Tour de France attract over a million spectators. * Pro bicyclists are very approachable before and after the race. Part of the fun is showing up at a pre-race event with one of the athletes, getting an autograph during "Autograph Alley", and watching the awards ceremonies with athletes and celebrities after each stage. * Cycling is a team sport that incorporates a huge amount of psychology and strategy in addition to pure athleticism. Much of the interest is in watching how each of the teams uses their members offensively and defensively throughout the tour. More at http://mobikefed.org/tag/tailgate * Pro bicycle racing is a much bigger sport internationally than it is in the U.S. That means that the international exposure--including world media that is attracted to the final U.S. race of the #1 ranked Discovery Channel Team and Tour de France winner Alberto Contador--will be a huge benefit to Missouri. --- Online: http://tourofmissouri.com Route sheets, course logs and timings, maps, route profiles: http://tourofmissouri.com/stages Related events, bicycle rides, bike rodeos, festivals, etc: http://tourofmissouri.com/calendar News & info: http://mobikefed.org/tourofmissouri Tailgating the Tour of Missouri: http://mobikefed.org/tag/tailgate
Every stage of the Tour of Missouri has many ancillary events--fun rides, galas, celebrations, races, and the like that really turn the Tour of Missouri into a traveling festival. (See a full listing here.)
Here are just a few of the events from Stage 1 in Kansas City:
Monika Kleban writes in the West County Journal:
Several times during the last few months when I have said so to non-cycling co-workers and friends, their response was along the lines of: "Oh. That's a bike ride, isn't it? Are you riding in it?"Read the rest of Monika's column "MY TAKE: Hey, Missourians; cycling is a major sport, too" here.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
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