Tour de Grove

Steady rain and temps in the low 50s failed to dampen the racer’s and spectator’s spirits during the Tour de Grove professional cycling race over the weekend in the Grove.  Pro cyclists from all over the world, including Italy, New Zealand, and Australia competed to win a purse of $25,000 during the highest paid single day race in Missouri.  It is also the only race in the region to be included on the prestigious USA Cycling National Racing Calendar (NRC) and the USA CRITS Championship Series. The Tour de Grove also offered a  full day of family events featuring competitive races for all levels of USAC-licensed racers including US Hand Cyclists, a 5K run, children’s events and a Grove expo.  The course was a 1.7 mile spectator friendly, winding circuit through the Grove neighborhood with a sprint finish along Manchester Avenue.  Washington University Medical Center Redevelopment Corporation and Emerson were sponsors of the Tour de Grove.

The team line up:

• Team Type 1/Sanofi Aventis, USA
• Team Jamis-Sutter Home, USA
• Kenda/5-Hour Energy presented by Geargrinder, USA
• United Health Care Presented by Maxxis, USA
• Jelly Belly presented by Kenda, USA
• Bissell Pro Cycling, USA
• Fly V Australia Pro Cycling Team, AUS
• Elbowz Racing, USA
• Pure Black Racing, New Zealand
• Rubicon-Orbea, Canada
• SKLZ p/b Pista Palace, USA
• Team Mountain Khakis fueled by Jittery Joes, USA
• Garmin/Chipolte Development Team, USA
• Colavita/Forno d’Asolo Professional Cycling Team (Women), USA
• Team TIBCO Professional Cycling Team (Women),USA
• MellowMushroom.com (Women), USA
• Primal/MapMyRide (Women), USA

At the start of the mens race. Photo courtesy: Velonews

The race crossing over the Newstead overpass. Photo courtesy: Velonews

Edita Janeliunaite wins the women’s race. Photo courtesy: Velonews

Mike Northey wins the men’s race. Photo courtesy: Velonews

Results:

Mens:

• 1. Mike Northey –Pure Black Racing
• 2. Jake Keough- UnitedHealthcare
• 3. Christian Helmig- ELBOWZ Racing
• 4. Jonathan Cantwell- Fly V Australia
• 5. Ty Magner- Team Type 1
• 6. Juan Pablo Dotti- Aerocat Racing
• 7. Adam Myerson- Mountain Khaki’s
• 8. Christopher Monteleone- Kenda/ Geargrinder
• 9. Louis Crosby- Pure Black Racing
• 10. Eric Young- Bissel

Womens

• 1. Edita Janeliunaite- Colavita
• 2. Joelle Numainville- Team TIBCO
• 3. Leah Kirchmann- Colavita
• 4. Jennifer McRae- 787 Racing
• 5. Kacey Manderfield- Pure Racing
• 6. Samantha Schneider- Team TIBCO
• 7. Laura Van Gilder- Mellow Mushroom
• 8. Gray Patton
• 9. Joanne Kiesanowski- Team TIBCO
• 10. Amy McGuire- Wheelworks Racing

Better Block program

St. Louis City’s Mayor Vanguard Cabinet showcased their Better Block program during this years Tour de Grove.  It was the first of its kind in St. Louis.  Better Block program is a national initiative that transforms urban eyesores into vibrant storefronts. The goal of the project is to demonstrate how a good urban design and quality development are essential to the vibrancy of urban areas. Local artists and volunteers will be creating marquees, awnings, and painted window displays for the project.

Mayor Francis Slay stopped by to get his picture taken for the interactive art piece called, “I’m in St. Louis because…”.  Participants wrote in why they choose to stay in St. Louis.  Check out the video created by Thomas Crone from the St. Louis Beacon.