Tour of Missouri expands women's races

The Tour of Missouri Women's Series has expanded from a one-day criterium, held last year in conjunction with the opening stage of the men's race, to a four-day series, organisers announced Thursday.

The series will begin on Friday, September 4 with daily criteriums for women as well as pro/am men as part of the THF Realty Gateway Cup. It will end Monday, September 7 on a course which shares the same start/finish line which will be used for stage one of the men's Tour of Missouri.

Women will compete for a total purse of $15,000 as well as an overall winner’s jersey for the series.

Returning to defend her Tour of Missouri title will be TIBCO’s Brooke Miller, who called last year's event "one of the most exciting races that we did last season."

Also returning will be Tina Pic (Colavita), who will sport her new US criterium national champion's jersey.  Also expected are Team Type 1's Alison Powers and Jen McRae, ValueAct Capital with Robin Farina and Martina Patella, Webcor, Lipsmacker, Vanderkitten and a host of regional teams.

The weekend will also include several unique opportunities, including the Tour of Missouri Women’s Soiree and Team Presentation held on Saturday September 5 at SqWires Restaurant. The night will feature food, drinks, an official team roll-out MC’d by Dave Towle, and music by The Unconscious. Tickets are being sold to the public for $35 and can be purchased here .

On Sunday September 6 there will be a panel discussion by ToM Women’s Series athletes on professional women’s cycling at the Residence in by Marriott. The event is free to the public, however, seating is limited. Reserve your seat with Amy McMinn at pinkfabu@yahoo.com.

A listing of all races and events can be found at either the THF Realty Gateway Cup web site Tour of Missouri Women’s Series web site.

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