Organizers of the Tour of Missouri expect between 300,000 and a half-million onlookers along the route this week.

What's the attraction?

First, it's free.

Second, some of the premiere pro cyclists, including Tour de France winner Alberto Contador, will compete.

Third, the cyclists are accessible.

Many of the spectators will be attending their first bike race. But just as riders have many points of attack en route to a stage win, spectators have several ways to attack a stage — and come out winners.

STARTING LINE

Cyclists are among the most accessible of pro athletes, and your best chance to get up close and personal with them is before the race. Each of the riders must sign in, and they spend 60 to 90 minutes milling around, chatting with sponsors and the media. They're often amenable to signing autographs as well.

ALONG THE ROUTE

Here's a tres Francaise way to loll away a day. The riders could pass in as little as 60 seconds, but why not take the afternoon off? The Missouri Department of Transportation will close the route about 20 minutes before the riders pass, but no one can predict whether they'll be racing at 20 mph or 25 mph. Why not err on the side of caution and arrive early? Park your car off the road and bring along the essential survival kit, which should include:

— A newspaper, magazine or book.

— A radio, CD player or iPod.

— A chair or blanket.

— Beverages and snacks.

— Sunscreen and/or an umbrella.

— Frisbees, bats and balls.

— A cowbell to ring as the riders pass.

STAGE 5 — Ending in St. Charles

The road race from Jefferson City to St. Charles on Saturday will feature an even more French experience. The wineries near Highways 100 and 94 will offer special tastings and tents. For details, visit www.missouriwine.org or call 1-800-392-9463.

Trailnet's Bicycle Fun club is offering a chance for active spectating with a ride that begins at the Ameristar Casino, 1260 South Main in St. Charles, and traverses the Katy Trail as far as Augusta. The race course crosses the trail at several points, where the amateurs can watch the pros in action. Registration begins at 9 a.m. The cost is $8 for members, $12 for nonmembers. Children 12 and younger are $3. For more information, visit www.trailnet.org/calendar.php.

The area near the end will be a beehive of activity with the Mosaics Art Festival along Main Street and concerts by the St. Charles High band and the Arbogast Band in Frontier Park.

STAGE 6 — St. Louis

On the route, fan zones will offer gathering spots; some will organize entertainment and offer refreshments. The locations:

West End Lofts

4100 Forest Park Avenue

Crossroads School

500 DeBalievere Avenue

Big Shark Bicycle Company

DeBalievere Avenue and Delmar Boulevard

3rd Degree Glass Factory

5200 Delmar Boulevard

Central West End Association

Along Euclid Avenue

Moolah Theatre

3821 Lindell Boulevard

Trailnet

Lindell and Grand Boulevards

American Piping

15th Street and Olive Boulevard

Missouri Department

of Transportation

15th and Market Streets

Events at the start/finish at Union Station include a free concert by Wizard Island Band at the Lake Stage from noon to 5 p.m., and a rock climbing wall from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

FINISHING LINE

So much will be happening that you can make a day of it. Each stage will feature a health and wellness expo and a bicycle stunt team. The race also will be broadcast live on a jumbo video screen with commentary blaring over the speakers. The race report won't be delivered with the British accent of cycling legend Phil Liggett, but

it will add to the excitement at the finish. If the riders arrive in a large group, expect a furious finish at speeds in excess of 40 mph, with cyclists swerving and elbowing for position.

PODIUM

Just like the Tour de France, at the end of each stage the overall leader will receive the yellow jersey, the stage winner will take a bow, and the leaders in the mountains, sprint and young rider competitions will receive their jerseys.

Can't be there?

The tour's official website, www.tourofmissouri.com, will offer a live video feed of each stage.