The verdict is in, the inaugural Tour of Missouri is a major success! Here are what some of the folks are saying:

“The start today was phenomenal, it was the one of the most enthusiastic and biggest crowds I’ve ever seen for the first day of a first year race, and especially given it was on a Tuesday afternoon." -Sean Petty, Chief Operating Officer of USA Cycling, Quote from 2007 Tour of Missouri Stage 1 Press Conference

“It’s a heck of a start for us,” said Rick Hughes, president of the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association. –Kansas City Star,
September 11, 2007

“I came down through to the crowd to get to the grand stand and all I heard was really enthusiastic comments. I heard people yell ‘bring it back, bring it back.’ It’s obviously a huge hit. I think it was a bigger hit than we even thought it would be . . . It’s a really wonderful thing and I hope we get to do it annually.” - Mark Funkhouser, Mayor of Kansas City, MO, Quote from 2007 Tour of Missouri Stage 1 Press Conference

“This is great,” said Kellye Crockett-Bunch, a consultant who lives in south Kansas City. “Kansas City is lucky to be part of something like this.” -Kansas City Star, September 11, 2007

“That was thrilling,” said Tracy Landing, a 39-year-old from Prairie Village. “The speed of the race was incredible. It was pretty intense — just an incredible event, to see something like the Tour de France in our city.” -Kansas City Star, September 11, 2007

“This is just a huge crowd for the Plaza,” Steve Lightstone said. “I live on the Plaza. This is amazing. And it’s one of the best organized events I’ve seen in Kansas City.” -Kansas City Star, September 11, 2007

“I mean, it’s a Tuesday,” Steve Kerr said as he scanned the crowd. “But it was five deep at the start where I was. And it should be. Cycling’s on a big upswing in the United States, and now Missouri’s stepped up to handle a real tour and be part of us. It makes me proud.” –Kansas City Star, September 11, 2007

“This has gone beyond anyone’s wildest imaginations,” said James Taylor, owner of re:Verse, a restaurant on the Plaza. “We’ve got people who have never been to the Plaza before.” –Kansas City Star, September 11, 2007

“That was long overdue,” said James Bertoncin, a 41-year-old from Marion, Kan. “Let’s do it again next year — but even better.” –Kansas City Star, September 11, 2007

Mercedes Koch, a student at St. Mary's School in the small Henry County town of Montrose, stood holding a blue Navigator's Team bell and rang it vigorously as cyclers started the race at 11 a.m. under blue skies. "I think it's great," the 11-year-old said of the chance to see the race. "I think it's a great opportunity." - Springfield News-Leader, September 13, 2007

In Springfield, fan Jennifer Simpson said she hopes the tour helps people better understand cycling and what an excellent sport it is. "I don't think people realize what a blessing it is to have world-class athletes like this here in Springfield," she said. - Springfield News-Leader, September 13, 2007

“This has been amazing. The weather has really brought the people out. To be a weekday in a smaller city, the turnout has been great. Seeing it on the web has just been awesome, to see the crowds out. American cycling is on the rise. We’ve talked to people from Texas, St. Louis, it’s just a matter of getting the word out. Just keep promoting it and the people will keep coming.” -David Vance, Cycling Fan, Lexington, Kentucky, Quotes from 2007 Tour of Missouri Stage 2 Press Conference