Tour of Missouri - North American Teams Announced
Top USA Domestic Elite and Continental Teams Announced for Tour of Missouri.

Team Slipstream powered by Chipotle, an up and coming Pro Continental team, powerful Toyota-United and HealthNet presented by Maxxis, highlight eight American-based professional teams announced for the inaugural Tour of Missouri, September 11-16, 2007.

“Professional cycling in the United States continues to grow, and it’s reflected in the strength of the American-based teams racing mostly in the western hemisphere,” said Race Director Jim Birrell. “Most of these teams field a strong contingent of the best American riders, as well as top international guys.”

The additional five teams announced include Navigators, Colavita Oil/Sutter Homes, Jelly Belly, BMC and the USA National Team.

“The BMC Cycling team is ecstatic about participating in the inaugural Tour of Missouri,” says Gavin Chillicott, director of the BMC Pro Cycling Team. “These major tours are great for the sport in the United States. We plan on bringing a very strong team that will be suited to the terrain in Missouri. And that team, of course, will feature Missouri-native Dan Schmatz.”

Dan Schmatz in Cascade Classic Stage 3.       Photo © Lyne Lamoureux

The eight American-based teams join previously announced Discovery Channel team as the participating teams. According to the race’s competition director and former Tour de France rider Kevin Livingston, the race will add six, possibly seven additional teams, made up almost exclusively of internationally-based teams, some which have raced in the Tour de France.

Rosters for each team will not be announced in early September, according to Birrell.

Host City Highlight:
Saint Charles - "Les Petities Cotes"
Just west of St. Louis you'll find Saint Charles, a river city with a unique historical perspective, beautiful sites, friendly people and a pace just a little slower than that of the big city. Founded as Les Petites Cotes (The Little Hills) by French Canadian fur trader Louis Blanchette, Saint Charles grew into a thriving riverfront trading center for a young America.

It is the second oldest city west of the Mississippi River. Thousands passed through on their journeys westward, replenishing supplies before departing into new territory. Saint Charles is a source of historical encounter: the Lewis and Clark Rendezvous, Missouri's First State Capitol, origin of the Boone's Lick Trail and close to the home of Daniel Boone.

Like many weekends in historic St. Charles, on Saturday September 15, the town will be abuzz with activity as Stage 5 of the Tour of Missouri storms into town. Lodged into the Festival of the Arts weekend, the Tour will finish not far from the trailhead of the state-long Katy Trail, which is an old railway where many cycling enthusiast ride. The race will also finish close the historic Lewis and Clark Landing, one block off the magnificent Main Street.

“On Behalf of the City of St. Charles and myself as mayor of the city, we are delighted to be one of Missouri’s Unique Cities chosen to Host the 2007 Missouri Professional Cycling Race. We are very proud to be part of this prestigious team,” said Patti York, City of St. Charles Mayor. “The Beautiful Missouri River and our Unique Historic Main Street will be a perfect setting for this special event, and we look forward to welcoming the participants and spectators to experience the warm hospitality of Saint Charles.”

The Local Organizing Committee for the Tour of Missouri is spearheaded by David Rosenwasser, the Director of the Greater St. Charles Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.