September 7, 2009 (St. Louis, Missouri) – Lots of Canadians are here racing at the 3rd annual Tour of Missouri which is drawing top level teams and riders such as Mark Cavendish (Columbia-HTC), Thor Hushovd (Cervelo Test Team), Levi Leipheimer (Astana), Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas-Cannondale) and 2009 US Pro champ, George Hincapie (Columbia-HTC).

This is the last big stage race of the season in America and while it’s going head-to-head with the likes of Grand Tour the Vuelta a Espana, the ToM still attracted seven Pro Tour teams along with the Green Jersey (Hushovd ) and Polka Dot jersey (Pellizotti) winners from the 2009 Tour de France. A high calibre field for a high calibre race that sees the inaugural participation of a Canadian team, Planet Energy, with legendary Director Sportif, Steve Bauer, Canada’s most acclaimed cyclist.

In addition to Planet Energy four of the other 14 teams have Canadian riders on their squads: the ProTour team of Columbia-HTC has Michael Barry, OUCH presented by Maxxis includes Andrew Pinfold, Kelly Benefit Strategies has Ryan Anderson, Zach Bell and David Veilluex and and the Jelly Belly Cycling Canuck is Will Routley. We caught up with a few during the sign in for Stage 1 here in St Louis…

Routley was quite enthused about the inclusion of an all Canadian team in the race saying “Canadians are as good as anybody”, and he’s particularly pleased that more Canucks are getting an opportunity to showcase their abilities. Anderson was equally glad to see Planet Energy here and was curious how they’d perform, “It’s always good to see more Canadians in the peloton”.

Announcer Dave Towle took a moment during the sign in to talk with Planet Energy’s Ryan Roth for the crowd and Roth commented that other than the U23 National Championships, this was the biggest race he’d been in. “Our first time at a major tour, the team is trying to see it as just other race. Our nerves are in check and we’re looking forward to making our mark.” He was full of praise for Bauer. “When Steve talks, we listen!”

When asked if Canada would be hosting a similar calibre stage race Bauer said it wasn’t something that was going to happen soon – rather classics style, one-day races would be a better fit for Canada. He enjoys working with the Planet Energy team and had good hopes for the first stage – and the team didn’t let him down, riding right on the wheels of Columbia through most of the race. There are two PE riders in the top ten in the Young Riders competition. Canadian fans along the route were waving maple leaf flags, happily rooting for their riders while ringing their cowbells furiously every time the peloton passed.

Thor Hushovd Interview
Thor Hushovd with Cervelo Test Team won the Green Jersey at the 2009 Tour de France in July including a stage win. Hushovd was third today in St Louis, behind Cavendish and JJ Haedo of Saxo Bank. He might have had a better finish but a crash in the final kilometer took out his leadout man Heinrich Haussler. This is his first Tour of Missouri but he’s also competed at the Amgen Tour of California and we asked him to compare the two races.

So what made you decide to come and race here in Missouri?
Thor Hushovd: I’ve heard good things about this race from my teammates so I specifically asked to be put on the squad. I wanted to use this race as an opportunity to improve or return to form in time for the Road Worlds.

Was the course a good one?
TH: Yes it’s a very good course with only one section being a bit dangerous but that is what happens when you race in an urban setting.

How did you find the crowds compared to the Amgen Tour of California?
TH: The crowds were very good and very loud. I was pleased that so many people were out lining the route. The finishing straight was a tunnel of noise which made for an added boost at the end.

Did you break a wheel in the final kilometer? Did that affect your ability to come around Mark?
TH: Yes I broke a spoke in my front wheel in the final kilo. It didn’t necessarily affect my finish. Mark is just very fast right now.

Are you thinking about the Green Jersey competition?
TH: No, not really. I hope to win a stage here and there.

BB: How did you feel about your team effort today?
TH: I was really happy with the effort put forth by the team today. I need to figure out how to beat Mark Cavendish.

Was the Harley Davidson motorcycle on your mind as you sprinted? (The winner of today’s stage was awarded a Harley Davidson motorcycle by Gateway Harley Davidson, a local dealership in St Louis).
TH: Actually no. I didn’t think about it until I got up to the podium presentation.

And with that parting comment Hushovd took off for his well-deserved shower.