Here is a guide to watching the Tour of Missouri when it comes to Kansas City on Monday.
Starting in St. Joseph
This year the start of the stage moves to our neighbors to the north. Several pre-race events will be going on in St. Joe, including introductions of the teams. This will be a great time to meet the racers and get some photos and autographs. You might even have enough time to catch the start and haul back to KC for the finish on the Plaza. St. Joe-KC route map.
Women’s Criterium Race
This is a new event that will bring some of the country’s best female racers to Missouri. If you aren’t going to St. Joe for the start of the race, then wait for it’s arrival in KC by watching the women’s crit on the Plaza. it starts at 1:00 p.m. and will go until 2:00 or 2:30.
The Route
The last half of the route is mostly the same as last year… From Weston to Parkville, and then across the Heart of America Bridge though Downtown to the Country Club Plaza. The stage finishes with three laps along Ward Parkway between the Plaza and Meyer Circle. You can watch at any point along the route. Consult the course log to see approximately when the race will pass a specific point. Sprint lines in Platte City and Parkville will be great places to see some excitement, as will King of the Mountain hills south of St. Joe and on Ward Parkway.
Approximate arrival times
Parkville: 2:45-3:00 p.m.
Downtown: 3:06-3:02 p.m.
Plaza: 3:16-3:43 p.m.
Meyer Circle: 3:22-3:50 p.m. (first lap)
Events On the Plaza
A big health and fitness expo starts at Noon and runs until 5:00 p.m. There will be food, beverages, exhibits, etc. The finish line will be along Brush Creek on Ward Parkway at Broadway/Wornall. Another prime spot to watch is along Ward Parkway south to Meyer Circle. The race from St. Joe will be shown on giant TVs around the Plaza. An after-party will feature music, food, and drink.
Free Bike Parking on the Plaza
If you are coming to the Plaza, be sure to take advantage of free bike parking provide by the Missouri Bicycle Federation and the Kansas City Bicycle Club. Stop by the MBF booth on Nichols Road. Skip the lines for parking garages and don’t walk for blocks. Ride your bike instead!
