"In Chillicothe we are on a roll and we can think of no better way to keep our city’s momentum on the upswing than by hosting the Tour of Missouri.

On behalf of the citizens of Chillicothe, we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the State of Missouri, the Division of Tourism and Medalist Sports to bring an event of this caliber to Missouri and Chillicothe.

We look forward with enthusiasm and promise that the Tour’s time in Chillicothe will be memorable.Although smaller in population than other cities in Missouri, you will find no town with greater heart and we look forward to embracing The Tour of Missouri.

Our city looks forward to opening its arms and welcome the participants and spectators of the 2009 Tour of Missouri to Chillicothe. We look forward to provide a top-notch event with entertainment, fun and of course the thrill of the race to all!"In the lush rolling hills of northern Missouri, situated at the crux of two major highways, lies a gem of a town that epitomizes the best of the Midwest. And in this town the heartbeat of the athlete is palpable and strong. Sports and outdoor adventure thrive here thanks in equal parts to top-notch facilities, tried and true fans and a champion spirit that dates back a century. Idyllic pastoral landscapes are complimented by modern amenities and a historic downtown filled with breath-taking historic murals.

Chillicothe, Missouri is located at the intersections of Highways 36 and 65 in Northern, Missouri. A town of 10,000 it has the spirit and the amenities of a city three times its size.

Chillicothe has long been synonymous with progress and innovation. The town received its sliced of history on July 7, 1928 when Chillicothe Baker, Frank Bench and Inventor Otto Rohwedder and their Bread Slicing Machine produced the first loaves of sliced bread increasing the local bakery’s sales by 2000% in two weeks. The saying, the greatest thing since sliced bread has gone on to become an integral part of the English language signifying old-fashioned American ingenuity and it all started in Chillicothe.

Saturday and Sunday Chautauqua in the Park – The 25th anniversary of this amazing arts festival coincides with this year’s Tour of Missouri stop inChillicothe. Chautauqua takes place in Simpson Park on Hwy 65 North and features one of a kind arts and crafts, out of this world food and drink and a variety of live music, entertainers and artisans as well as a children’s area with rides, games and a petting zoo. Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday Night Chilli Bike Fest - kicking off The Tour Chilli style! Join us as we kick off our Tour of Missouri festivities on Friday evening at the Courthouse Square in downtown Chillicothe with live music, food, and lots of fun. Youth bike races and a night ride are all part of the action.

Race Day Events – The Tour of Missouri is the Greatest Thing to hit Chillicothe since Sliced Bread are the fun starts at 10 a.m. in Historic Downtown Chillicothe featuring live family entertainment, the Home of Sliced Bread Bread Baking Contest, Adult Trike races, older youth races, concessions and a beer garden.

A Viewing Party after the race continues at the Chillicothe Country Club – A barbeque cook off contest will be held with local chefs. Sample their ribs and chicken legs as we watch the race end on the big screen TV.