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Tour of Missouri begins Labor Day with many Tour de France stars

Anne Rock's photo
Philadelphia Cycling Examiner

 The 7-stage Tour of Missouri begins on Monday

On Monday, some of the best riders in the world will descend on American soil to compete in the 7-stage Tour of Missouri, including Tour de France sprinting phenom Mark Cavendish and his lead out man Mark Renshaw (Columbia), along with Jens Voigt (Saxo Bank) and Thor Hushovd (Cervelo).

Former winner and recently crowned U.S. champ George Hincapie (Columbia), future Radio Shack rider Levi Leipheimer (Astana) and Garmin's Christian VandeVelde and Dave Zabriskie are among the US riders reading to kicks on Route 66.

German rider Jens Voigt suffered a chilling crash in stage 16 of the recent Tour de France 7 weeks ago, losing control on the descent of the Col du Petit-St.-Bernard and landing on his face. The Tour of Missouri welcomes this popular rider back to competition.

The Tour of Missouri also offers a women's race that begins today, with some of the best U.S. women riders registered to compete.

Tape delayed race coverage will be available on Steephill.tv and Universal Sports, which currently has been offering excellent Vuelta coverage.

Last year, Pennsylvania hosted a Tour competitors under 25 who ride for developmental teams including Johan Bruyneel's Belgian Cycling Academy and the Irish Pezula team. The Tour began in Philadelphia, traversing the state until reaching Pittsburgh.

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, Philadelphia Cycling Examiner

Anne Rock lives in Philadelphia and started mountain biking before suspension forks and clipless pedals existed. She races for Baltimore's C3 Athletes Serving Athletes and chronicles her cyclocross, road and mountain biking escapades in www.dirtygirlcycling.com. You may contact Anne with your...

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