Host cities announced for 2009 Tour of Missouri

Pro cyclists competing at the third annual Tour of Missouri this September will be generally heading west for the first time.

The 7-stage bicycle race rolls out Sept. 7-13 from St. Louis to Kansas City, opposite the usual direction of the race.

The 11 cities that will host a start or finish line (or both) at the race are St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, Cape Girardeau, Farmington, Rolla, St. James, Jefferson City, Sedalia, Chillicothe, St. Joseph and Kansas City.

The event comprises four days of point-to-point road racing, one individual time trial, and two criteriums.

The race runs on a Monday through Sunday. Here's the schedule:

Stage 1: Sept. 7 — Criterium in St. Louis

Stage 2: Sept. 8 — Ste. Genevieve to Cape Girardeau

Stage 3: Sept. 9 — Farmington to Rolla

Stage 4: Sept. 10 — St. James to Jefferson City

Stage 5: Sept. 11 — Individual time trial in Sedalia

Stage 6: Sept. 12 — Chillicothe to St. Joseph

Stage 7: Sept. 13 — Criterium in Kansas City

The stage by stage race routes will be announced later.

Chuck Hodge, the race's technical director, desscribed the course to CyclingNews:

“It will not be as difficult of course, as far as the terrain goes. I would like to go a little longer – it is something we are definitely looking at to compensate for the terrain. However, not all will be easier in 2009. The first couple of road stages definitely have tougher terrain than we have had in the past!”

Some other news announced by the Tour of Missouri organizers:

Last year's Tour of Missouri champion, Christian Vande Velde of Team Garmin, is the cyclist appearing on the ToM promotional material.

Hincapie Sportswear, owned in part by 2007 champ George Hincapie, was chosen as the official jersey supplier for the race.

Although there is currently no title sponsor for the race, returning as sponsors in 2008 are Edward Jones (financial), Drury Hotels (lodging), Emerson (health care) and the Missouri Farm Bureau.