Last year was the first year of the Tour of Missouri, which came through several mid-Missouri communities, including Columbia and Jefferson City.

Defending champion George Hincapie will be back again.

This year's tour kicks off in St. Joseph on Monday.

Thursday, the riders will race from Lebanon to Rolla. Friday, they'll ride from St. James to Jefferson City. Saturday, they'll start in Hermann and ride to St. Charles.

The race will wrap up in St. Louis under the gateway arch next Sunday.

Posted by: Jessie Fowble