The Tour de Georgia won't happen in 2009, as organizers have decided to regroup for 2010. This is somewhat surprising news, considering that Lance Armstrong's comeback was expected to "save" the race from extinction. However, Armstrong never resolutely committed to riding the April stage race, and his lack of support clearly sped up the race's demise.
While the situation is not a great one for Georgia, it is by no means a deathblow. Organizers lost money on the event in 2007 and 2008, and title sponsors were few and far between over the course of the last several years. With a full year to search for a big sponsor, the Georgia organizers have bought themselves some time to revive the race. While it won't be easy, the search for a sponsor may be easier if and when America and the world come out of the current financial downturn.
Now that Georgia is out of the picture for domestic racing, the Tours of California, Utah, and Missouri take center stage for American cycling fans. The Tour of California is a stable and solid event, especially with the recent partnership between it and ASO, the organizers of the Tour de France. Missouri and Utah however, are in need of increased exposure if they are to survive long term as stage races.
The Tour of Utah has had problems in the past, even having once to cancel due to lack of funds back in 2007. Behind a resurgent management team, Utah was back in 2008, but not with as good a field as California or Missouri. If Utah is to continue as a stage race, organizers will have to find a way to attract a more powerful field of riders. Great talent leads to bigger media exposure, and eventually to more sponsorship dollars.
The Tour of Missouri, though also in danger over the next year, is a bit more stable than Utah. The race was able to attract some high-powered Pro Tour level teams, which led to competitive racing and exciting stage finishes. Although nowhere on the level of California, Missouri nevertheless seems to be improving year after year. Hopefully, the three remaining big time stage races in America will continue, despite the demise of Georgia.
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2 comments:
The thing about Missouri is that it is supported by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor and paid for by the Department of Tourism. Missouri is a great race, because of their enthusiasm and committment. The Lieutenant Governor, who orchestrated the event, is leaving office. Who knows what will happen when the political powers change. '09 may be the last year for the ToM if they do not find a title sponsor this year.
Anyway, I hope this year's Rabobank and Liquigas riders convince Friere and Benni that they need to be at the ToM in '09.
Oh, and Cavendish has to come back. The crowds were crazy for him.
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