Big George Hincapie proudly wears the stars and stripes as national champion at the 2009 Tour of Missouri. Kathleen Nelson photo.

A 10 Speed favorite, Big George Hincapie, already is thinking ahead to next September, when he plans to be very busy. On his schedule are the Tour of Missouri, Aug. 30 to Sept. 5; new Pro Tour races in Montreal and Quebec City, Sept. 10 and 12: and defending his U.S. Pro title in his hometown of Greenville, S.C. on Sept. 19.

Hincapie’s first goal is to shine in the spring Classics and take another shot at his Great White Whale, Paris Roubaix, then to regroup for September. Among his comments on cyclingnews.com:

“The only thing better than winning the stars-and-stripes jersey is being able to wear that jersey for the entire racing season. With my new team, I will focus on the Spring Classics, and the fall will be my second priority. It looks like my season will end up with great races like the Tour of Missouri, the new Canadian ProTour events, the US Pro Championships and the World Championships.”

We’re glad George is optimistic. A lot has to happen, though. The Tour of Missouri needs to find funding, either through the depleted state tourism budget, which will lose an additional $1.6 million through budget cuts announced this week, or increased corporate sponsorship. And Big George needs to stay healthy. He won’t get the early start in 2010 that he had this year, since he won’t compete in the Tour Down Under in January and the Tour of California has been moved to May. But he’ll have to avoid catastrophe in the spring.

Still, it will be good to see George in the Stars and Stripes for a prolonged season.