[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 57 (Thursday, April 29, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TOUR DE GEORGIA IS A TOUR DE FORCE

 Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, this week Georgians will line 
the roads to witness the top-ranked bicycle stage 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 653-mile journey through the great 
State of Georgia.
  Athletes from over 23 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, 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 promotional and media 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 60 of Georgia's 159 counties 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 120 elite, professional cyclists who will compete in 
seven stage races, traversing 653 miles across Georgia. 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. Over 750,000 spectators are expected for 
the week.
  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 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 also commend the Union Cycliste 
Internationale, for sanctioning this event.
  I would like this body to recognize the host communities, Alpharetta, 
Athens, Carrollton, 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 
such as the Georgia Cancer Coalition, which are dedicated to its 
eradication, and there is support from organizations such as 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 is not only about the 11 communities hosting this event, 
it is not only about Georgia. It is about bringing the finest cyclists 
in the world to compete in our Nation. It is about raising awareness 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 ask 
that this body commend the Dodge Tour de Georgia for its fine 
work.

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