Lance thanks Nixon for Tour of Missouri; 2010 race scheduled for Aug. 30-Sept. 5
Two late developments Friday.
1. Lance Armstrong announced on his twitter site that the had contacted Gov. Jay Nixon “Thanking him for his and their support of the Tour of Missouri.” Armstrong’s Discovery/Astana teammates raced here in 2007 and 2009, and his new Team Radio Shack probably would love multiple chances to race on home soil next year.
Nixon’s spokesman, Jack Cardetti, said Armstrong was “very warm, expressed his appreciation for this year’s race. He said he understood the problems that states are having and knew that it would take more corporate sponsorship in the future but hoped it would continue.”
2. The UCI released its 2010 calendar and has placed the race a week earlier, Aug. 30 to Sept. 5. The move avoids a schedule conflict with two new one-day Pro Tour races in Canada, scheduled for Sept. 10 and 12. USA Cycling CEO Sean Petty said the juxtaposition could entice more Pro Tour teams to Missouri. Seven teams that competed at the Tour de France this year also sent squads to Missouri. That number could expand to as many as 10.
We have been huge fans of the Tour of Missouri since it’s inception and were very concerned the race might not be held again in 2010. Lance’s good word for the Tour with the Govenor could not have come at a more opportune time and we thank him for all he has done for cycling in America in the last 15 years. It would be fantastic to see Team Radio Shack here in 2010 and might Midwest cycling fans get one last look at Cycling’s Ultimate Icon before he leaves the peleton for good in 2010 (we hope he’s just bluffing!)?
For us, the Tour of Missouri is our favorite week of the year and we will be there for every stage!
Hats off to Lance Armstrong! Christ and Kathy Maret