Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, community leaders and bike enthusiasts gathered Monday morning in downtown Cape Girardeau for the unveiling of the sign for the city's Tour of Missouri stop.

Entering its third year, the professional cycling race will include stops at 11 host cities, beginning Sept. 7 in St. Louis and ending Sept. 13 in Kansas City, Mo. The event features circuit races, time trials and road races. Cape Girardeau will be at the receiving end of the first road course on Sept. 8, which begins in Ste. Genevieve, Mo.

"In a time of rising concern that's well-justified about childhood, adolescent and adult obesity, what could be better than bringing a professional sporting event to town with world-class competitors from 22 countries all over the globe to ride their bikes over the Ozark hills and Missouri highways and bi-ways?" Kinder said. "Professional cycling is not on a lot of people's radar screens. But this is analogous in cycling to having Albert Pujols come to Cape Girardeau and play a baseball game.

"We're all used to coming to world-class sporting events in St. Louis and Kansas City and on a fall afternoon in Columbia," he said. "Here's a world class event that goes to the Farmingtons, Cape Girardeaus, Rollas, St. Josephs and Chillicothes. So people should get excited about it."

Among the teams who have committed to participate is Astana, which includes U.S. Olympian and Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong. Kinder said tour organizers have not received word as to whether Armstrong will participate.

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he'll show up at some point during the week," Kinder said.

A study conducted by St. Louis-based ISM North America estimated the event generated nearly $29.8 million in economic activity and drew more than 400,000 spectators from 32 states and 21 countries last year. More than 4 million viewers watched the race on Fox Sports Midwest, Fox Sports-Kansas City, universalsports.com and tourofmissouri.com, organizers said.

Deputy Lt. Gov. Jerry Dowell said this year's tour is expected to draw 500,000 spectators and have a greater effect on the economy.

Tracey Glenn, co-chairwoman of the local organizing committee, said hotel rooms will be blocked off for participants and spectators during the event, though she did not have an exact number yet. She said more than 100 volunteers are needed. Those interested in volunteering for any of the tour stops can do so at tourofmissouri.com.

"This is a unique opportunity that will require the support of our community," Glenn said. "Our residents will have an international experience right here at home."

Cape Bicycle and Fitness owner Eric Gooden said he thinks the race will stimulate an interest in cycling from those unfamiliar with the sport.

"We're hoping this will get more people excited and interested in the sport," Gooden said. "And we're hoping the number of out-of-town visitors will make a big impact on our hotel and restaurant industry."

Kinder echoed the thought.

"This community should be immensely proud that Missouri can pull off a world-class event of this nature and attract some of the top competitors from all over the world," Kinder said. "Even if cycling isn't on your radar screen you should be proud of it and come out."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, MO