KBIA Local
(2008-03-13)
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COLUMBIA, MO
(KBIA) -
Cyclists will be back on their bikes in September for the Tour of Missouri but the race committee is still searching for sponsors. While some of the world's top cyclists will peddle their way across Missouri in September, Tour of Missouri committee members are focusing on finding more sponsors for the event.
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Last year, the race generated more than twenty-six million dollars for the state in its inaugural year. The Missouri Developmental Finance Board, a non-state entity, paid $350,000 to cover last year's expenses. However, this year the International Cycling Union awarded Missouri a seventh day for the race, and an extra day means the Tour needs more money.
The race committee is asking the Finance Board for $500,000 for the extra expenses which will include more money to promote the tourism industry. Executive director Jerry Dowell says he expects to have all the fundraising for the race in by the end of the month.
"We've got new sponsors that are coming on board that are very excited in their involvement. We've got all of our incumbent sponsors from last year who are going to be back. Most of them have increased their level of participation over last year. So I'm expecting to have a very successful year and hopefully have all the fundraising we need wrapped up by the end of March."
The Tour of Missouri will be held from September 8th to the 14th. Cyclists will race more than 600 miles through twelve cities in the Show Me State.
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