Lt. Gov. Kinder unveils signs

Missouri’s Lt. Governor Peter Kinder is traveling around the state to show off the signs for the 2009 Tour of Missouri.

The large Missouri Department of Transportation signs will be posted on the outskirts of Farmington. Smaller signs will be placed throughout town. Similar signs will be installed in coming weeks in every community serving as a start or stop for the upcoming tour in September.

“Cape Girardeau is excited but no one is more excited than Farmington,” said Kinder as he unveiled the new signs at a press conference at city hall on Tuesday.

This week four new teams will be announced as participants in the 2009 Tour of Missouri. This is the third year for the statewide race with top teams from all over the globe competing to take home the prize. The Missouri race already ranks in the top five cycling endurance races outside Europe.

Last year’s Tour of Missouri brought in just less than $30 million to the state of Missouri. The race brings in bicyclists and fans from all over the world.

“Thanks to everyone who embraced the event,” Kinder told the group at the press conference.

“This event will bring money into merchants and help put Farmington on the map,” added Mayor Stuart “Mit” Landrum. Farmington will be the start city for stage three of this year’s race. This marks the first time the race has passed through Southeast Missouri.

For more information on the Tour of Missouri visit their website: www.tourofmissouri.com. The race will run from Sept. 7 to 13, and leave Farmington at 11 a.m. on Sept. 9.