Letter from Patrick

Gov. Nixon,

As an avid cyclist, taxpayer and long-time resident of the State of Missouri, I am writing to encourage the continued support for the Tour of Missouri. I regularly ride between 4000-5000 miles a year on Missouri roads, support alternative transportation and recognize the tourism benefits that accrue to the State with events such as this Tour. It has brought great credit to Missouri, as well as visitors from surrounding states and further beyond.

In each of the last 2 years I have served as a course marshall for the race stages in St. Charles and St. Louis. The caliber of riders in the event is similar to the major stage races in Europe. I have been in France for 3 of the Tours de France and have personally ridden some of the toughest stages through the Alps. The varied course that has been established for the Tour of Missouri have been heralded by the professional riders as challenging. It would be marvelous if the State could develop a mechanism to provide continued support throughout the years for such a sporting event.

Thank you for your consideration,

Patrick