TOUR OF MISSOURI

One of my National Officiating Assignments was to be on the crew of Tour of Missouri. I flew out to St. Louis late on Saturday afternoon, by the time I arrived it was dark and I had to take the Metro to my hotel. I got my luggage and walked to the far end of the airport and waited for the Metro. I wasn't so sure about being on some strange train/bus system in a strange city and in the dark. I managed to get off at the right stop and found the stadium for the St. Louis Cardinals as I came up the stairs from the bus stop. It was about a three block walk to the Hotel, I was really glad that I could put the backpack on, and that the suitcase was on wheels. I got checked in and went in search of food.

Sunday - September 6th
I found the Tour of Missouri offices at the Hotel and picked up my Tour of Missouri clothing, two blue shirts, two long sleeve T-shirts, a light weight jacket and a hat. Got my Tech Guide, Housing Guide, and my race radio. I am ready to go. I joined a group of the other officials for breakfast at a little place about 7 blocks from the hotel. The morning started out pretty foggy. (if you look close you can see the St Louis arch in the background.)





I had my first meeting of the day at 11:00 - preparing for the Time Trial. At 11:30 - meeting #2 - scoring and results. Then had lunch. Team registration was next. My job was to collect the rider waivers and issue the rider numbers. Then it was the team managers meeting, followed by an Officials Meeting and dinner. (Again look close for the St. Louis arch in the background.)



For the week I am rooming with Paula Grill, a legend in the Judging position. I learned lots from her.

Monday, September 7th
They were holding a bike race called the Gateway Cup over the weekend. It ended with Crits using part of the same course we wold be using later in the day, so this is what I woke up to outside my window.

I headed outside and wandered the expo at the race. Watched the Women's race and found my friend Sean.





Then it was time for the big event - Stage 1 Tour of Missouri. A circuit race. My assignment was to score the King of the Mountain with Steve Brady. the race began and off we went, found the spot and got ready. We scored the KOM on two of the laps and then headed back to the finish. Dot, the Chief Judge, had me stand on the opposite side of the road that she was on. There were lots of VIP's on the platform, that I stood on the podum, to get up above the crowds. It worked great. The finish was fabulous, Mark Cavendish coming out on top.