DaimlerChrysler to sponsor Tour de Georgia

Yes Georgia will have its own International Cycling Union (UCI) stage race in 2003, the Tour de Georgia. There will be only 9 US events on the UCI's race calendar in 2003, and Georgia will hold longest, if not only, stage race. This is really a big deal to the cycling community.

Now the race has world class sponsor in DaimlerChrysler. They will provide cash and vehicles to the race. Dodge will be the official Tour de Georgia car.

The race is expected to bring $30 million in economic development for Georgia over the next five years. There should be a noticeable bounce in tourism. Perhaps there even will be a higher visibility of cycling as a sport and recreational activity that will improve automobile and bike relations. Nah, scratch that last statement. I will still be forced off the road by power hungry drivers.

Now if they can only change the stupid name. At least call it the Tour of Georgia.

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