The Tour of Missouri professional bicycle race has concluded and supporter Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder says the event both boosts the state’s tourism industry and showcases what Missouri has to offer.

He’s been a driving force behind the tour, which kicked off last weekend in St. Louis and ended Sunday in Kansas City. Kinder says the bicyclists and spectators see Missouri’s natural beauty off the beaten path.

He says there was a big race in Spain going on at the same time, and many well-known and accomplished racers chose to do the Missouri tour instead. All of the top riders were right here in Missouri, he says.

Kinder says the race also spreads a good message to our youth about fitness in a time when obesity and diabetes are on the incline.

It looked like months ago that the race might be in trouble when Governor Nixon pulled funding for it. Kinder is urging Nixon to recognize the economic boost the race brings to the state and asking him to sign another three-year contract to host the event. He’s asking Missourians to e-mail Nixon and do the same. This year’s race was the third annual Tour of Missouri, ending the current contract.


Jessica Machetta reports [Download/listen MP3]