Tour de Georgia

History

Conceived by then-commissioner R. K. Sehgal in 2002, the race was developed by the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism (now known as the Georgia Department of Economic Development) for the benefit of the Georgia Cancer Coalition. Beginning with the 2008 race, The Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta will be the race's official beneficiary organization. The Tour de Georgia boosted tourism in Georgia providing 2.3 million visitors and a $26 million economic impact between 2003 and 2006.

The race quickly generated international attention when the U.S. Postal Service cycling team began using it as part of Lance Armstrong's preparation for the Tour de France. Armstrong rode in the race before his Tour campaigns in 2004 and 2005, and Floyd Landis won it before his Tour victory (later disallowed along with all of Armstrong's wins) in 2006.

On 14 November 2008, the directors of the Tour de Georgia announced that the 2009 race would be canceled, but that the race planned to return in 2010. The reason given was a lack of sponsorship, which had caused the Tour to seek some reductions in 2008 bills. The 2010 event was also cancelled for financial reasons, although the race's backers were aiming for the race to return in 2011. As of July 2012, the race has not been revived.

Route

This six stage event extends riders over 600 miles in six days. One ends in a steep ascent to the top of Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. As in the Tour de France, the overall leader wears a yellow jersey.

History of results

General Classification

The current leader and overall winner by time after each stage and at the conclusion of the race is awarded the Yellow Jersey.

• 2003 : USA Chris Horner, Saturn
• 2004 : USA Lance Armstrong, U.S. Postal Service Pro Cycling Team
• 2005 : USA Tom Danielson, Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team
• 2006 : USA Floyd Landis, Phonak Hearing Systems
• 2007 : SLO Janez Brajkovič, Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team
• 2008 : BLR Kanstantsin Sivtsov, Team High Road

Sprints Classification

The Sprint Leader Jersey is a gray and Aqua-blue Jersey is worn by the rider that receives the most bonus points awarded through his placing in intermediate sprints and finishing in the top 15 places at the end of the stage.

• 2003 : USA Freddy Rodríguez,
• 2004 : CAN Gord Fraser, Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis
• 2005 : NZL Greg Henderson
• 2006 : USA Fred Rodriguez (2), Davitamon–Lotto
• 2007 : ARG Juan José Haedo, Team CSC
• 2008 : NZL Greg Henderson (2), Team High Road

Mountains Classification

The King of the Mountains Jersey is worn by current leader and overall winner by points awarded by his placing in mountain climbs. The leader wears a Georgia-inspired Peaches Theme Jersey (in substitution of the traditional polka dot theme of the Tour de France jersey).

• 2003 : USA Chris Horner, Saturn
• 2004 : USA Jason McCartney, Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis
• 2005 : ESP José Luis Rubiera, Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team
• 2006 : USA Jason McCartney (2), Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team
• 2007 : CAN Ryder Hesjedal, Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis
• 2008 : USA Jason McCartney (3), Team CSC

Best Young Rider Classification

The Best Young Rider is the best racer in General Classification that has less than 25 years old. He wears a Green Jersey.

• 2003 : USA Saul Raisin
• 2004 : USA Kevin Bouchard-Hall
• 2005 : AUS Trent Lowe, Jittery Joe's
• 2006 : SLO Janez Brajkovič, Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team
• 2007 : SLO Janez Brajkovič, Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team
• 2008 : AUS Trent Lowe (2), Slipstream–Chipotle

Most Aggressive Rider Classification

The Most Aggressive Rider wears the Blue and Green Jersey. The jersey is awarded at the end of each stage to the rider that demonstrates the most aggressive attacks, breakaways or strategies, as judged by a panel of media and race entourage officials (since 2005).

• 2005 : ITA Andrea Tafi, Saunier Duval–Prodir
• 2006 : USA Will Frischkorn, Team TIAA–CREF
• 2007 : COL César Grajales, Jittery Joe's
• 2008 : AUS Rory Sutherland, Health Net Pro Cycling Team

References

References

1. link. (2007-11-23 , tourdegeorgia2007.com; retrieved December 2007)
2. [http://www.tourdegeorgia.com/press-room/about_aflac_cancer_center.html Official Beneficiary] {{Webarchive. link. (2007-12-08 , tourdegeorgia.com; retrieved December 2007)
3. (2008-11-14). "Press release". Tour de Georgia Foundation, Inc.
4. (2008-11-14). "Lack of sponsorship will shelve 2009 Tour de Georgia". [[USA Today]].
5. (2009-12-23). "Tour de Georgia canceled for 2010". Cyclingnews.com.