Tour Of Missouri Fan Zone

Cyclings Best Conquer The Midwest

PDF Print E-mail

TOUR OF MISSOURI SET TO CANCEL FOR 2010

Event Will Cancel If Sponsorship Funding Not Released by Tourism 

May 27, 2010 (St. Louis, Mo.) --- After a seven-month negotiation with State Tourism, which included a bi-partisan state senate and house approval of $1 million in support for the Tour of Missouri sponsorship, the United States' second biggest professional cycling event and one of the top stage races outside of Europe, will be officially cancelled should earmarked funds not be released by Tourism and the Governor, according to the board of directors of Tour of Missouri, Inc.

"This may be a win for the Missouri Tourism Commission and the Governor, but a huge loss for the state of Missouri and its citizens," said Mike Weiss, chairman of the Tour of Missouri, Inc. "It has been an insanely complicated battle for something so beneficial, and it's left all of us absolutely baffled.  This event, in three short years, has blossomed into the crown jewel for the state of Missouri with a broadcast to 150-plus countries, visitors from more than 40 states, direct economic impact of more than $80 million dollars over three years, and garnered state legislative support, only to have funding held up by the director of Tourism and the Governor for 2010.

Weiss added: "What has been lost in the mix is whether this money is better spent on things like print ads or a multi-dimensional approach that garners regional and international publicity for our state. The ROI is evident but we haven't been able to plead our case to the Governor because he won't take our meetings despite all the public support."

Weiss and Vice Chairman Brent Hugh acknowledged and expressed gratitude  to the enormous public support and the bi-partisan state senate and house leaders that supported the legislation to appropriate $1,000,000 to Tourism earmarked for sponsorship of the event. They have been declined meetings with the Governor regarding the decision.

"All you really have to do is look at the hundreds of comments posted on various news sites and social media forums to see the overwhelming support for  Tourism to fund this event," said Hugh.

Weiss noted that the $3.5 million event budget is less than 30 percent funded by the Missouri Tourism sponsorship and that most of the corporate and city funding has been tied to the assurance of endemic support from the state.

"The success of the Tour of Missouri the past three years has been a result of the public-private partnerships, thanks in part to the initiative of the State, " said Chris Aronhalt, managing partner of Medalist Sports, Inc. the event's managers.  "The leadership and support unfortunately appears to no longer exist, which is an integral element of a successful event of this nature.  Of course, we are very disappointed, but we are also proud of the Tour's meteoric rise in the sports world, as well as grateful for the long lasting relationships made along the way."

Weiss said Medalist Sports of Atlanta and its marketing partner KOM Sports Marketing of Colorado Springs are "the only group in the country that could have brought the Tour of Missouri to its world-class level" in such a short period of time.

"From the first-class marketing of the event, to the world's best teams, to the flawless execution; the teams, athletes and spectators loved this event," said Weiss.  "In three short years, along with the host cities and corporate partners, Medalist and KOM really made this event shine internationally. As a Missouri native, I thought it was great to have a world-class event roll into town every year. I think everyone who experienced this event was very impressed. This race is the rare world-class professional sporting event that everyone could enjoy for free."

Among the milestones and achievements for the event and the state of Missouri:

  • Appearances by 2007 and 2009 Tour de France winner Alberto Cantador; Tour de France podium finisher and Olympic medalist Levi Leipheimer; three-time U.S. Professional Champion George Hincapie; six-time stage winner in the 2009 Tour de France Mark Cavendish.
  • Tax revenues estimated at $38 million
  • Telecast internationally viewers in 173 countries
  • Daily telecasts as a bi-lateral agreement with both Versus and Fox Sports Midwest and Fox Sports Kansas City
  • Estimated 1.2 million spectators, including 100,000 in last year's finale in Kansas City and 75,000 in St. Louis on its first day
  • Visitors from 42 states and 15 countries
  • Regional radio promotions into 15 Midwest and Rocky Mountain region markets
  • Video News Releases that reached 38 countries
  • More than 1,500 media credentialed over three years
  • 790 million circulated impressions of event with Missouri by-lines
  • Integrated promotional platforms with more than 20 sponsors, including Health and Wellness Exposition attended by an estimated 300,000 people
  • Educational Curriculum that was used by 250,000 students in state
  • Award winning brand and marketing programs

"We are extremely proud of the marketing and communications programs we established with and for our sponsors and our presenting partner, Missouri Tourism.  We sat down in 2007 and crafted a plan together and not only hit every marker on the marketing plan but exceeded them," said Steve Brunner, the President of KOM Sports, the marketing and communications partner of Medalist Sports.  "We can only point to the facts, which include an average 20 to 1 Return on Investment and the legacy of one of the top races outside of Europe as proof we accomplished our goals for Missouri. We also added ancillary programs and promotions that included an educational program that reached more than 250,000 children in the state and international and regional publicity for our host cities and Missouri tourist destinations like the Gateway Arch and Pony Express. The event was a picture-postcard of Missouri to the world. "

Weiss added: "It seems only rationale that you can't purchase the type of media, along with goodwill, that the Tour of Missouri brings to a state.  The event has been much, much more than a ‘bike race', bringing cities together to be showcased to the world.  It drove industry and preached health and wellness. It was really multi-dimensional. The fact that the governor and head of Tourism wouldn't even take a meeting with our team to discuss this event and the reason to withhold earmarked funding, provides insight into reasons that go beyond value placements."

Weiss and Hugh both conceded should Tourism not have a last minute change of heart, or a corporate partner step in the 12th hour, the event will be history.

"Unfortunately, it's proven once these events are gone, they don't come back," he added.

The Tour of Missouri, Inc. is a non-profit organization, and is solely established for the execution and licensing of the event. The event started in 2007 and has routed to more than 25 cities over the course of the past three years.  The winners of the event all have been Americans and include current U.S. Professional Champion George Hincapie, 2008 Tour de France fourth-place finisher Christian Vande Velde, and Dave Zabriskie, the only American to win a stage at professional cycling's three major races: Tour de France, Tour of Italy and Tour of Spain. The event attracted more than 1 million spectators over three years and has been seen in 173 countries through a live internet telecast. The event was one of the top five-ranked races outside Europe.

Contacts: Priscilla Visintine, 314.422.5646 or Mike Weiss, 314.920.9606
 
PDF Print E-mail

Support the Tour Of Missouri

St. Louis, Mo (March 18, 2010) --- The Tour of Missouri, the professional bicycling race that has taken place throughout the Show Me State since 2007 and has highlighted the state in a prolific and invaluable way, today announced a special campaign to solicit support for the race, scheduled for August 31 – September 6, 2010.

Over the course of three years, an estimated 1.2 Million spectators from more than 40 states and 20 countries have lined the roads of Missouri to see more than 120 world-class athletes race. The event also has been seen on FOX Sports Midwest, Versus and through live webcasts that have reached viewers in more than 170 countries.

"Like the Tour de France, this event has raised the profile of Missouri into a tourist destination by showcasing the sights and sounds of Missouri to the world. And best of all, it’s been a free public event that all walks of life have enjoyed," said Mike Weiss, president of the Missouri Bicycle Racing Association. "There is still debate at the state level for support of this event. We need continued state, and even general public support outside the realms of traditional corporate support, to continue this race. As Missouri and the country come out of the current recession, this event is needed more than ever to bring international profile, economic benefit and community goodwill. We’ve certainly witnessed that from the many folks on our facebook page, which we encourage people to view."

 

ilovethetour_sm
This unique artwork featuring the 3 previous champions will be featured prominently during the campaign, including on specialty items available through donations to the Tour of Missouri. (Click image to view larger version)
Weiss, who also was a key initiator in the event’s concept added that the Tour of Missouri has become more than a "bike race", and each year has been an international festival for community pride statewide while providing a healthy direct and indirect economic return.

"I have talked with leaders of cities across the state who have hosted the Tour, who have seen how it brings communities together and really improves a city's quality of life," said Brent Hugh, Executive Director of the Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation. "The Tour is like a big community celebration and its health and wellness focus has inspired people across the state to get out and improve their fitness while enjoying Missouri's great outdoors."

Hugh added that in these global times, the event also has become a great international experience for those attending. Athletes from more than 30 countries have competed in the Tour of Missouri over the past three years making this the most international sporting event Missouri has hosted since the 1904 Olympics.

The economic impact on Missouri has been measured at more than $75 million over the past three years. Host cities have received media impressions in more than 170 countries. More than 30 cities have played host to the event and have benefitted from through international recognition.

Weiss and Hugh announced the following ways individuals can support the Tour of Missouri:

  • Join the movement at "Support Tour of Missouri" by posting your comments at www.facebook.com/tourofmissouri. More than 4,000 people have joined since Monday, March 15, many submitting their views of the event.
  • Donate by by visiting the DONATION SITE. There are various levels with premium benefits for your support. Because the Tour of Missouri is a not-for-profit venture, your donations are tax deductible.

 

Also, individuals may voice their support by email or call one of three places:

1. Governor Jay Nixon’s office (573 751-3222, http://governor.mo.gov/ ),
2. Tourism Director Katie Danner Steele’s office (573-751-3051, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
3. State legislators, which can be viewed online at www.MoBikeFed.org/ContactElectedOfficials

You can also contact Missouri state legislators and the Governor's office using this form.

For your conveneience, you may also print this pre-prepared letter, sign it, and mail it to the person(s) of your choice. CLICK HERE
 
PDF Print E-mail

2009 Tour of Missouri Economic Impact Study Presented

Third annual race proves to be most successful

BRANSON – The economic impact results from the 2009 Tour of Missouri were presented during a meeting of the Missouri Tourism Commission today in Branson.

Throughout the week, 500,000 spectators were estimated to have watched the race at one of the 11 host cities or somewhere along the 600 mile route which passed through many communities in Missouri.  In 2008, an estimated 434,000 spectators saw the Tour at some time during the seven stages.  In 2007, there were nearly 368,000 spectators who watched the race.

The total economic impact by spectators during the seven-day event was $38.1 million, that's up from $29.8 million in 2008 and $26.2 million in 2007.

During the course of the seven day event, the average out-of-state visitor spent over $220 per day during their visit. In planning their trip, 83% of non-Missourians said the Tour of Missouri was the reason they came to spend time in Missouri.  The average out-of-state visitor spent more than four days in the Show-Me State.

The Tour of Missouri also showcases Missouri to a global audience via live coverage on the Internet and on television.

This year, the Tour's official website, www.tourofmissouri.com, received hits from visitors in 153 countries and territories. An estimated audience of 5.6 million people watched nightly highlight shows on the Versus television network and an estimated 1.4 million people watched highlight shows on Fox Sports Midwest and Fox Sports Kansas City.

Following the 2008 Tour of Missouri, the International Cycling Union, the sanctioning body for professional cycling, raised the ranking of the Tour of Missouri to a prestigious 2.HC ranking, making the event one of the top five races outside of Europe.  The increased international appeal helped attract seven pro tour teams who competed just weeks before in the Tour de France.

The 2009 Tour of Missouri economic impact study was conducted by IFM Sports, an international leader in sports marketing and research. IFM is a global company based in Germany with American operations based in St. Louis, MO.

IFM Sports conducted the economic impact study for the 2008 Tour of Missouri.  They have also provided similar reports for groups such as: Major League Baseball (MLB), the International Cycling Union (UCI), the International Tennis Federation and the National Basketball Association (NBA), among many other professional sporting organizations.