2008 TOUR DE GEORGIA HOST VENUES!!!

ATLANTA, Ga. (December 5, 2007) – From the salty marshes and ocean shoreline of the Georgia coast to the majestic skyline of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 12 Georgia communities have been selected as the official Host Venues for the sixth annual Tour de Georgia, scheduled April 21-27, 2008. The introduction of these Host Venues was announced today by Lt. Governor Casey Cagle at a press conference at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. Cagle also recognized the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s as the new beneficiary for the Tour next year.“Today is an exciting day. As we entered into this sixth season of the Tour de Georgia, we promised to revitalize the event and we are well on our way. With the selection of our 12 Host Venues, including two mountain stages and the addition of the Team Time Trial, we are taking the steps necessary to continue strengthening the Tour de Georgia- ensuring it remains North America's premier cycling race. This April, we will welcome the world to Georgia," said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. "The addition of the AFLAC Cancer Center at Children's Healthcare as a beneficiary is a very important move for the Tour. This event is not just a bike race. The heart of this race will be about giving back.”Five new communities will host the Tour for the first time – Road Atlanta/Braselton, Statesboro, Suwanee/Gwinnett Co., Tybee Island, and Washington. Savannah hosted the overall start of the inaugural Tour de Georgia in 2003. Other returning Host Venues include Atlanta (2003, 2007), Augusta (2005, 2006), Blairsville (2004-2006), Brasstown Bald Mountain/Towns Co. (2004-2007), Dahlonega (2004-2006), and Gainesville (2003, 2005).

2008 TOUR DE GEORGIA HOST VENUES

Stage 1: Monday, April 21 – Tybee Island, Ga. to Savannah, Ga.

Stage 2: Tuesday, April 22 – Statesboro, Ga. to Augusta, Ga.

Stage 3: Wednesday, April 23 – Washington, Ga. to Gainesville, Ga.

Stage 4: Thursday, April 24 – Road Atlanta/Braselton, Ga. (Team Time Trial)

Stage 5: Friday, April 25 – Suwanee/Gwinnett Co., Ga. to Dahlonega., Ga.

Stage 6: Saturday, April 26 – Blairsville/Union Co., Ga. to Brasstown Bald Mtn/Towns County, Ga.

Stage 7: Sunday, April 27 – Atlanta, Ga. (Circuit Race)