History
Conceived by then-commissioner R. K. Sehgal in 2002, the race was developed by the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism (now known as the Georgia Department of Economic Development) for the benefit of the Georgia Cancer Coalition. Beginning with the 2008 race, The Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta will be the race's official beneficiary organization. The Tour de Georgia has boosted tourism in Georgia providing 2.3 million visitors and a $26 million economic impact between 2003 and 2006.
The race quickly generated international attention when the U.S. Postal Service cycling team began using it as part of Lance Armstrong's preparation for the Tour de France. Armstrong rode in the race before his Tour campaigns in 2004 and 2005, and Floyd Landis won it before his Tour victory (later disallowed) in 2006.
On 14 November 2008, the directors of the Tour de Georgia announced that the 2009 race would be canceled, but that the race planned to return in 2010. The reason given was a lack of sponsorship, which had caused the Tour to seek some reductions in 2008 bills. The 2010 event was also cancelled for financial reasons, although the race's backers were aiming for the race to return in 2011. As of July 2012, the race has not been revived.
Read more about this topic: Tour De Georgia
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