The 2008 Tour of Missouri rolls out for 7 stages beginning Monday, and there are plenty of opportunities to watch if you can't station yourself at the roadside somewhere between St. Joseph and St. Louis.
There is free, live online video streaming, evening summaries on midwestern sports cable networks, “play-by-play” coverage at the cycling websites, and a new social media site where fans can chat and post their images from the race.
For starters, Universal Sports is providing free, live streaming video coverage of each stage with commentary. Replays are available after the race. Universal relaunched this month and has been streaming Tour of Germany, and the Univest Grand Prix, among other sports events. Check out the Universal cycling schedule for details (times are ET).
TourTracker returns on Tuesday for Stage 2. You'll remember TourTracker from previous Tours of California and Tours de Georgia. Video, riders' GPS, chat, and commentary.
KMOV St. Louis also is providing a live video stream at its website.
FSN Midwest and FSN Kansas City are broadcasting highlights of the day's action, generally after Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals baseball. Check out Roger Kramer Cycling for details.
Other area stations that are offering live broadcasting coverage: KBMC Kansas City, 4-4:30 p.m. on Monday; KRCG Jefferson City, 6-6:30 p.m. Friday.
The Tour of Missouri is partnering with social media marketing company Vitrue to present the Tour of Missouri Fan Page. Spectators will be able to post their videos and pictures from the race onto the website for others to enjoy; they can even upload via their cellphone for immediate coverage. Fans also can create their own profile and message with other members.
VeloNews and CyclingNews also will be offering live updates throughout the races, as well as post race stories and analysis.
Versus plans a recap show after the event. Check the Versus Cyclysm website for details.
In its second year (here's 17-minute compilation of 2007 race), the Tour of Missouri has drawn some very high-class cyclists.
Team Columbia will be on hand as member George Hincapie attempts to defend his title from 2007. The world's hottest sprinter, Great Britain's Mark Cavendish, also be racing at Tour of Missouri. That's quite a coup, as the Tour of Great Britain is rolling out for the same week.
Their biggest domestic rivals will undoubtedly be Team Garmin-Chipotle. Powerhouses Christian Vande Velde (5th in the Tour de France) and David Zabriskie (US time trial champion) will lead that squad.
Also on hand will be Italy-based Liquigas and the Netherlands' Rabobank. Rock Racing is fielding a team, although I didn't see US road race champ Tyler Hamilton on the roster.
See also:
Cavendish, Hincapie and Vande Velde among big names at Tour of Missouri
Where to find live video streaming of Tour of Missouri and other cycling
2008 Tour of Missouri teams announced
More stages more hills at 2008 Tour of Missouri
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