[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E547]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING THE ATHLETES, ORGANIZERS, VOLUNTEERS AND FANS OF THE DODGE 
                            TOUR DE GEORGIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MAC COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2004

  Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, this week Georgians will line the roads to 
witness the top ranked stage road bicycle race in North America.
  The Dodge Tour de Georgia promotes tourism, stimulates local 
industry, and is proud to benefit the Georgia Cancer Coalition. The 
race serves as a rolling festival to entertain and educate spectators 
across the Peach State about cycling, fitness, and most importantly 
about the possibility for a cure for and the prevention of cancer. This 
second annual event, April 20 to 25, 2004, takes pro cyclists and 
multitudes of visitors on a scenic 641-mile journey through the Great 
State of Georgia.
  Athletes from over 15 countries will compete for $100,000 in cash and 
prizes. With a mix of road races, an individual time trial, and 
challenging terrain, the 2004 Dodge Tour de Georgia will be an exciting 
event for both racers and spectators.
  A great deal of attention will be on cycling this year, since many 
elite athletes vie to represent their countries in the Olympic Games in 
road, time trial or track disciplines of cycling in August. And, five-
time Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong seeks his record sixth 
consecutive win on the Champs-Elysees in July. Part of the reason for a 
significant increase in media and spectator interest in the Dodge Tour 
de Georgia this year is because Armstrong will compete in the event 
with his United States Postal Service Pro Cycling team. It will be the 
only stage race Armstrong is expected to enter in North America this 
year, and the only event in the U.S. for him prior to his record 
attempt in France.
  Officials with the Dodge Tour de Georgia project a $20 to $30 million 
boost to the Georgia economy. The value provided to its charitable 
beneficiary, the Georgia Cancer Coalition, is expected to surpass $2.5 
million, doubling the number from 2003. The 2004 Dodge Tour de Georgia, 
the country's premier, professional cycling stage race, will visit 11 
host cities in 6 days, from Tuesday, April 20 to Sunday, April 25.
  As a world-class sporting event, the Dodge Tour de Georgia is defined 
in part by the 128 elite, professional cyclists who will compete in 
seven stage races, traversing 649 miles across Georgia in 6 days. As a 
vehicle to promote tourism and stimulate economic growth, the race is 
defined by the thousands of visitors and volunteers who plan to visit 
from across Georgia, the U.S. and abroad.
  From just the impact of media, officials, teams, and support 
personnel, not including spectators, local communities will see an 
immediate impact from 3,000 room nights and over 7,000 meals.
  I would like to commend the sponsors, organizers, and staff of the 
Dodge Tour de Georgia, for bringing a world-class event of this 
magnitude to the people of the United States. I would also like to 
commend the Union Cycliste Internationale, for sanctioning this event.
  I would like to recognize the host communities, Alpharetta, Athens, 
Carrlloton, Columbus, Dalton, Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Hiawassee/Young 
Harris, Macon, Rome, and Thomaston; as well as their local organizing 
committees for their contribution to this worthy cause.
  Cancer is a brutal killer that strikes without regard to age, race, 
sex, or station in life. I am grateful that there are organizations 
like the Georgia Cancer Coalition, which are dedicated to its 
eradication and there is support from organizations like Dodge; GE 
Energy; The Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism; Georgia 
Power; Southern LINC; and the many others who have bonded together to 
organize and promote Georgia's Race to Cure Cancer.
  This event brings the finest cyclists in the world to compete and 
raise money to fight a terrible killer so that all of the world may 
benefit. I am proud that this event will be held in my home state of 
Georgia and I commend all the athletes, organizers, volunteers and fans 
that make the Dodge Tour de Georgia a truly special event.

                          ____________________