Tour of Missouri seeks 2010 host cities; funding questions remain

Statewide cycling race seeks 2010 host cities

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Tour of Missouri organizers are seeking host cities for the 2010 race. Whether the race can collect enough money to hold its fourth annual event remains unclear.

Georgia-based race managers Medalist Sports has sent out a request for proposals from cities interested in hosting starts and finishes in the weeklong event. Eighteen cities participated over the first three years.

The 2009 race was in jeopardy after Gov. Jay Nixon’s administration froze the tour’s $1.5 million tourism allocation. He reversed course in the face of pressure from biking boosters and the state’s Tourism Commission.

Race leaders still hope to attract a corporate title sponsor rather than rely on state money.