Quick Step destined for Missouri

Belgian squad Quick Step will contest the United States of America's Tour of Missouri for the first time this year. The Paris-Roubaix winning outfit will join rival squads Garmin-Slipstream, Columbia-Highroad and Astana at the September 7-13 event.

"To add the current top-ranked team on the world circuit to the Tour of Missouri is phenomenal," said Chris Aronhalt, the managing partner of event organiser Medalist Sports. "The stature of the event continues to grow, and the participation of Quick Step reinforces how far the Tour of Missouri has matured in two short years.

"We are proud of the race's impeccable reputation, and pleased that several of the world's top-ranked teams have requested invites. We now have six Tour de France entrants in the race, a staggering amount for a young race."

The addition of Quick Step to this year's race takes the team count to eight, with seven more slots remaining. Aronhalt believes they are close to announcing another two major squads for this year's race.

This year's race will route east to west for the first time, starting in St. Louis and finishing in Kansas City. The race will be contested over seven days and as many stages, including two circuit races, one individual time trial and four point to point road races.

Teams for Missouri: Garmin-Slipstream, Columbia-Highroad, Cervélo Test Team, Astana, Liquigas, Jelly Belly, BMC Racing and Quick Step.