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With the biggest pro bicycle race in the history of Missouri--some say the biggest sporting event ever--coming next week, do Missourians know how to watch a bicycle race?
"It's not just a race, it's a rolling parade, a traveling festival," says Missouri Bicycle Federation Executive Director Brent Hugh. "Every seat is free, and every seat is a front row seat. You can get within inches of the athletes as they speed down a straightaway at 40 miles per hour or climb a Missouri hill at breath-taking speeds."
As other sports fans know, watching the race is just part of the fun. "Experienced race fans make the race a big party--just like fans who 'tailgate' at a football game," says Hugh. "You bring your friends, your food, your barbecue, your beer--and you have a good time."
"At the Tour of Georgia, they tripled the number of spectators from the first year to the second--because those who came the first year went home and told their friends what a great time they had."
Here are some tips for those who want to watch the Tour--and have a great time:
There is no bad place to watch the Tour. But seasoned fans do tend to seek out certain spots:
- Start line, finish line
- Sprint points or "King of the Mountain" points mid-race
- Feed zones
- Long or difficult hills on the route
- Any point on the route nearest where they live or work
Course logs, available online at http://www.tourofmissouri.com/2009-route-maps.html, list all these points and estimated times of arrival.
Finish line areas will have giant-screen TVs showing live race footage along with color commentary. Fans can watch the race develop on the big screen, then watch the finish live.
Start and finish line areas will have health and wellness expos, exhibits, bands playing, and other events. "It's like a parade, a festival, and a party all rolled into one--and a race besides," says Hugh.
It is possible to plan your day to watch the start, one or more important intermediate points, and then the finish as well.
Those along the route can watch the race live via video feeds at TourofMissouri.com, then go outside at the right time to see the race come by live. Last year's Tour of Missouri web site had visitors from over 110 countries visit.
The Tour is one of the "big three" U.S. pro tours, along with the Tour of California and the Tour de Georgia. Some individual stages in the Tour de France attract over a million spectators.
Pro bicyclists are very approachable before and after the race. Part of the fun is showing up at a pre-race event with one of the athletes, getting an autograph during "Autograph Alley", and watching the awards ceremonies with athletes and celebrities after each stage.
Cycling is a team sport that incorporates a huge amount of psychology and strategy in addition to pure athleticism. Much of the interest is in watching how each of the teams uses their members offensively and defensively throughout the tour. More at http://mobikefed.org/tag/tailgate
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