September 1, 2009

SIKESTON - The Missouri Department of Transportation would like to remind motorists that the 2009 Tour of Missouri professional bicycle race will travel through Southeast Missouri on Tuesday, September 8th and Wednesday, September 9th.

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, Stage Two of the bicycle race will begin in Ste. Genevieve at 11 am. Racers will finish between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in downtown Cape Girardeau on Main Street. During Stage Two cyclists will travel through several Southeast Missouri communities, including Perryville, Farrar, Brazeau, Frohna and Pocahontas.

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, Stage Three will begin on Franklin and Columbia Streets in Farmington at 11 a.m. Stage Three will end between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in Rolla. Cyclists will travel through Pilot Knob, Bixby, Viburnum, Cherryville, Wesco and Cook Station.

MoDOT is working behind the scenes to ensure a safe race for motorists, cyclists and spectators. Motorists should prepare for the rolling road closures on state, county and city roadways that coincide with the location of the riders during the race. This means that the Missouri State Highway Patrol and local law enforcement will close the roadway before the first cyclist reaches the area and the road will remain closed until the last cyclist goes through an area. MoDOT encourages motorists to plan accordingly, use alternate routes or take the opportunity to enjoy this exciting event.

For more information about state highways included as part of the race route, contact MoDOT customer service at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or log onto www.modot.org/southeast.