150-plus cyclists expected for first Tour of Nevada

The map shows the route of July 13 race through downtown Nevada.

More than 150 cyclists are expected to be speeding around the streets in the downtown area the evening of July 13, and around the Nevada High School early morning of July 14 in the first ever Tour of Nevada hosted by Nevada Tourism and sponsored by Cerner.

The Saturday Night Downtown Criterium will start at 4:30, with the start/finish line on the south side of the Square and a track about 1.2 miles long.

The Sunday School Yard Criteria will begin at 9 a.m., with the start/finish line near the Nevada High School on the .9 mile course.

The route for the race at Nevada High School.

According to a press release from Nevada Tourism, the two races are expected to bring in cyclists from all over the United States. Cyclists will race for a chance at prizes, MOBRA points that go toward the Missouri State Championship, and bragging rights for the first ever winner of the Tour of Nevada.

A flyer for the race states "Criterium are short course races, typically 1 mile long. Racers must demonstrate a variety of technical skills to be effective which provide exciting moments that spectators love. Participants enter corners in tight packs that they must navigate smoothly while holding their line against fellow racers in order to accelerate hard away from the corner. Victories are hard fought and explosive as racers sprint and attack other riders to gain position."

The city will be sending letters to business owners or residents who live along the race course later this week. The streets used for the race will be closed to traffic during the event, so business or residents on those streets will need to plan accordingly.

Nevada Tourism is looking for sponsors for the event and sponsorships are available at any level. Interested sponsors can contact Ryan Renwick, sponsorship chairman, for more information.

Volunteers are also needed on the race course both days to help control the course and will have a close view of all the action. Anyone wanting to volunteer some time to this event may call 417-448-5525 and leave his or her name, telephone number, email (if applicable) and the time and days available.

According to the release, other events are being planned during the two-day cycling event. For more information visit www.Nevadamo.org or call 417-448-5525.

For more information about racing visit www.USACycling.com.