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Tour races through South Fulton next week

By BEN NELMS
bnelms@TheCitizenNews.com

North America’s premier cycling event is coming to Palmetto April 20. One hundred twenty-eight riders from 18 countries will glide into town on U.S. Highway 29 and within minutes be on their way to Rome, pedaling their way along the 642-mile 2005 Tour de Georgia. In the thick of the competition will be multiple Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong.

The event begins April 19 in Augusta along the banks of the Savannah River and winds its way on to Macon. April 20 will find cyclists passing through Fayetteville and Tyrone, crossing into Coweta County and making a right onto into U.S. Highway 29. From there, cyclists will make their way into Palmetto around 2 p.m., where they will turn left onto Toombs Street, left onto Menefee Street and right on Hutcheson Ferry Road in route to South Fulton Parkway and eventually to Rome to complete Stage 2 of the competition.

The first group of cyclists is expected to enter Palmetto around 2 p.m., according to event organizers. Palmetto Police Chief Bobby Fronebarger said streets that intersect the route will be closed beginning approximately 15-20 minutes prior to the arrival of cyclists.

Event organizers said the competition will take the 16 teams of cyclists through much of Georgia’s varied, and often challenging, terrain.

“The caliber of teams matched with Georgia’s beautiful yet challenging terrain ensures the 2005 Dodge Tour de Georgia will be the best yet. While we’re an invitation only event, we had teams from around the world reaching out to us, clamoring for an invitation and looking to make their mark in front of an American audience,” said Stan Holm, executive director of the 2005 Dodge Tour de Georgia. “The Dodge Tour de Georgia is the most anticipated stage race in the U.S. hands down and one of pro cycling’s most exciting new races anywhere. And, as many are predicting, this just might be the last time fans can see Lance race here in the U.S. All I can say is get ready!”

After leaving Palmetto and South Fulton and the jaunt to Rome, cyclists will continue the race by way of Dalton, Dahlonega and Gainesville and up to Brasstown Bald. The final leg of the race begins in Blairsville and concludes in Alpharetta, where the winner will be announced.