Classic sports lovers, this channel's for you.

A spokeswoman at Charter Communications confirmed Wednesday what the handy on-screen channel guide has been saying for a few days: ESPN Classic will debut soon in areas service by Charter, which includes Cape Girardeau and Scott counties.

The channel already is listed on channel 355 for digital cable subscribers. But even though it's listed, users who try to select the channel get a message that essentially says it's not available.

That should change in a matter of days. The deal is set for the channel to debut, but it's now a matter of coordinating the technical issues between Charter and ESPN, a Charter spokeswoman said. Once that's settled, the channel will be available to subscribers who chose the sports pack as part of their digital service.

The channel's spot on the roster places it with other sports channels available on a premium sports tier of networks purchased by about 36 percent of Cape Girardeau cable watchers. That includes Fox Sports World (channel 350), Fox Sports Atlantic (351), Fox Sports Central (352) and Fox Sports Pacific (353). Other sports channels, including ESPN and ESPN2, are available on lower tiers.

ESPN Classic's forte, as the name suggests, is broadcasts of classic games and profiles of classic sports figures. Today's lineup, for example, includes a USFL game from 1983, a 1991 NBA matchup between the Trail Blazers and Celtics, three college football games --including the 1969 Rose Bowl between USC and Ohio State -- and a 1999 game between the Red Sox and Yankees. Mixed in are a couple of episodes of SportsCentury, an hourlong documentary, and a sports trivia program.

The network addition is a perk of Charter's change from analog to digital technology a couple of years ago. That means there's unlimited space for more channels, provided the cable provider and the networks work out the financial deals. Networks have emerged to cover everything from pro wrestling to tennis, so don't be surprised to see more sports channels added to Charter's lineup in the future.

In other news

The Freedom of Speech 5K is on for 9:30 a.m. Saturday outside the Show Me Center. It includes a run and a mile walk. Info: 651-2493.

Bicycling Magazine lists the annual Tour de Cape charity bike ride as a "reader's choice" in Missouri, and this weekend's event again offers its riders the option of 15, 30, 62 or 100 miles around the Cape Girardeau area. Coordinator Jan Gerard points out the event is not a race, so riders can adjust their pace to suit their own style. Food and fluid breaks are scheduled, and a mechanic will be available. Info:335-7366.

Jamie Hall is sports editor of the Southeast Missourian. Send your news to jhall@semissourian.com.