Northeast News
May 27, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — If you’re traveling through the Northeast this weekend, watch out for cyclists.

Beginning Friday, May 29, the Tour of Kansas City is a cycling festival celebrating health, fitness, and Kansas City while promoting the cycling culture. The 2015 Tour of Kansas City will consist of three days of racing, including a 5K Prologue Time Trial, the historic Cliff Drive Circuit Race, and a new criterium at the Truman Sports Complex.

With opportunities for every level of bicycle enthusiast, from the novice rider to the professional racer, there is something for everyone. Cyclists can participate in non-competitive events including the region’s first Gran Fondo and a Fun Ride visiting Kansas City’s iconic landmarks. Those looking for something a little more thrilling can take part in any, or all, of the weekend’s race events. Kids can join in the action on the rides or take part in the free Kids Bike Races.

Friday

The Prologue Time Trial being at 6:30 p.m. The Cliff Drive Prologue Time Trial, new for 2015, will set-up the weekend’s omnium rankings. Riders will get a fast downhill start on Gooseneck Hill before heading out on a nice flat three mile course through the park. A tough finish will great riders as they climb back up Gooseneck Hill to the finish.

Saturday

The Cliff Drive Circuit Race begins at 9:30 a.m. The cornerstone event of the Tour of Kansas City, the race finish has been moved to the top of the Gooseneck climb to provide a true hill-top finish.

The Kansas City Microbrews and BBQ Festival is scheduled from 2 – 5 p.m. at the Kansas City Museum while races take place along Cliff Drive. Sample some of the area’s best microbrews and eat some great Kansas City BBQ. Admission includes a limited edition KC Microbrews and BBQ tasting glass and a delicious meal from one of the BBQ vendors.

Sunday

The Tour of KC Criterium kicks off at 8 a.m. at its new home for 2015, the Truman Sports Complex. Home of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals, the stadium complex offers a myriad of course options, plenty of parking, a great backdrop for the races, and room to grow.

The Tour of Kansas City raises funds for The Missouri Foundation for Bicycling and Walking. Proceeds from the event are used to fund advocacy efforts for better bicycling and pedestrian conditions throughout Missouri. Course maps, directions, updates, and details about the weekend’s events are available on the Tour of Kan-sas City website www.TourofKC.com.