Quietly tucked into the revised calendar of the UCI America Tour is an extra day for the Tour of Missouri. Though the race originally was scheduled for September 9-14, 2008, cycling’s governing body tacked a day onto the front this week. So, the event is scheduled for seven days, rather than six.

The extra day isn’t set in stone. But Ben Jones, chief of staff for Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, said that the state could accept more bids from prospective host cities and that its partner, Medalist Sports, could design a route that took in more of the state. The inaugural route started in Kansas City, headed south to Springfield and Branson, reversed course through central Missouri, then headed east to St. Charles and St. Louis. An extra day would give cities in northern Missouri or the southeast corner a chance to be included.

Since the race is sponsored in part by the Missouri Department of Tourism, the state has a keen interest in showing off as many of its treasures as possible. Last year’s route didn’t include much of northern Missouri, the tourist mecca of Hannibal, nor the challenging terrain of Southeast Missouri, which features historic Ste. Genevieve, the Mark Twain National Forest, the Trail of Tears and scenic covered bridges.
Cities have until December 7 to submit proposals, and the organizers will put together the pieces for a bigger picture puzzle of Missouri.

What do you think should be included next year?
What a great photo this would be: A hundred cyclists whirring over the red bridge next to the Bollinger Mill near Jackson.

That’s just one person’s vote.