The Standard

Issue date: 9/14/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Matt Moore

Springfield was treated Wednesday as the 600-mile Tour of Missouri bike race made its way through the downtown area, showcasing 120 world-class cyclists originating from over 20 countries.

The cyclists rode from Clinton to Springfield, a 125-mile route that was collectively dubbed Stage 2 of the race. The publicity for the event was monumental, as the race was not only covered nationally but internationally as well.

The crowd was beside itself and teeming with anticipation as the racers neared Springfield. Of the 120 cyclists, 11 had pulled away with a commanding lead into the city.

As the racers passed by the crowd at the finish line, only a blur could be seen of the speeding racers. The crowd roared and the air lifted from each of their lungs with excitement.

George Hincapie, an American riding for the Discovery Channel team, pulled away for the victory in Stage 2 with a time of four hours, 35 minutes and six seconds.

Frank Pipp, also an American and a rider for the Health Net team, came away with second. In third came Dominique Rollin, a Canadian rider of the Kodak Gallery team.

Brad Huff, a Fair Grove native, was also a part of the race, although he did not place in the stage.

Hincapie was awarded with several prizes, including a key to the city of Springfield presented by Mayor Tom Carlson.

Carlson was especially keen to point out that because of the overall support of the citizens, Springfield was able to hold such a widely viewed event.

"People all over the world are getting to know this area, and it's because of what you're doing here," said Carlson in a speech following the race.

Lt. Governor Peter Kinder was also present at the event. He was also particular in drawing attention to the fact that Springfield was hosting such a worldly event.

"The Ozarks are getting the lion's share and the best part of this race," said Kinder. "It has been worth every bit of time we spent to pull off a world class event like this."

The tour continued with individual time trials in Branson on Thursday and will pick back up today as the riders race along a route from Lebanon to Columbia. The race will end on Sunday in St. Louis.

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