Despite the well-publicized doping scandals in cycling, USA Cycling CEO Steve Johnson is bullish on the future of the sport in the United States.

Velonews.com editor Charles Pelkey interviewed Johnson and wrote a lengthy story on the velonews website. Part of the Johnson’s optimism is based on the success of the inaugural Tour of Missouri in September.

Cycling is growing at the grass roots level as professional pelotons roll through small towns in Missouri, George and California in the three major U.S. races.  The Tours of California, Georgia and Missouri give folks in small towns unreal access to world-class athletes, access largely lacking in the stick-and-ball sports and NASCAR, and that can only help the sport grow.

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