Sad news from Georgia this morning. Citing tough economic conditions and a need to plan for the future, organizers of the 2009 Tour de Georgia bicycle race say they'll cancel the race in 2009 but return in 2010.

In an announcement posted on the Tour de Georgia website, race chairman Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle says:

"We have ... decided to skip one year so that the Tour de Georgia can once and for all be ahead of the game in the planning process. This is a decision I feel is wise and one that will strengthen the Tour de Georgia for years to come."

Board member Phil Jacobs told the Savannah Morning News, "The rise in the cost of gas and the current "tough" economic picture hurt us."

Meanwhile, a "Lance Armstrong bump" from his possible participation in the race vanished when he announced he would be competing in the European spring classics that are scheduled at about the same time as the Tour de Georgia's slot ...   more »