Muscatine hoping to host Armstrong

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By The Muscatine Journal | Sunday, July 9, 2006 1:13 AM CDT | () comments

Tour de France winner expected to ride in RAGBRAI

MUSCATINE, Iowa — With less than a month before RAGBRAI takes off, the event is building for participants and host-communities alike.

Adding to the anticipation is the expected appearance of seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. Overnight communities across the state, including Muscatine, are awaiting confirmation of which communities Armstrong will visit while joining RAGBRAI for one or more days.

Muscatine RAGBRAI promoters hope that the end-site activities and other community attractions will entice him into joining the Muscatine celebration on July 29.

After the June 27 announcement regarding Armstrong’s appearance, offers from local residents to accommodate the famous cyclist have been coming into the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry office.

“(If) great Lance is riding RAGBRAI, and it will be great for Muscatine if he is able to come,” said Greg Harper of Harper’s Cycling and Fitness.

Muscatine’s RAGBRAI activities slated for July 29, in conjunction with the community’s annual Great River Days, include the 2nd Street sidewalk sale, Farmer’s Market, Bend of the Mississippi Art and Crafts Fair and musical entertainment along the riverfront by The Miller Brewing Music Truck, Hap Hazard and OD TAPO IMI.

About 10,000 RAGBRAI cyclists and at least 5,000 support people are expected to arrive in Muscatine.

For more information, contact Brie Barrick at (563) 263-8895 or bbarrick@muscatine.com.