"I see Warrenton as a great fit for this event," she told board of aldermen Tuesday night. The city will at least attempt to be a part of the elite cycling event featuring some of the top talent in the nation and world. Hoffman, the city's special events coordinator, provided the board of aldermen and mayor with information about past races and steps the city would need to take to become a host city. Following her proposal, the aldermen unanimously approved a motion to apply to be a host city for the 2009 Tour of Missouri. The board voted 5-0 with alderman Beth Kendall absent. Hoffman's proposal had the support of the aldermen. "I'm all for it," Phil Tallo said. Jerry Cullom followed: "I think it's a good idea." Tour of Missouri organizers will start accepting applications next week, Hoffman said. She will be attending a state tourism committee meeting also next week in hopes of gaining support from organizers. An announcement of host cities likely won't be made until January at the earliest. A host city serves as either a starting line or finish for a one-day leg of the race. Last month, the Tour of Missouri completed its second race in the state and drew an estimated 434,000 spectators over seven days. The race roster included riders who previously competed in the Tour de France and Beijing Olympics. Hermann and St. Charles were two of the 12 host cities this year. Others were St. Joseph, Kansas City, Clinton, Springfield, Branson, Lebanon, Rolla, St. James, Jefferson City and St. Louis. "It's an event that is established," Hoffman said. "It has a strong following. There are people who will line the street. There is the potential to fill Warrenton and fill Warrenton hotels." In both years the Tour of Missouri has been held, the cyclists raced through part of southern Warren County on Highway 47 and Highway 94 through Dutzow. Hoffman would like to see a way for the course to be altered to allow cyclists to head toward Warrenton. If Warrenton was selected as a host city, it would provide an economic boost to the area, according to Hoffman. In 2007, Branson, one of nine host cities, brought in $2 million in revenue compared to $3 million for St. Charles. Both Tour of Missouri races have brought in over $26 million for the state. Hoffman said the non-Missourians attending the race spend around $270 per day. She envisions local hotels being booked and restaurants full of race personnel and visitors. "It's a great amount of revenue," she said. "It would definitely cause a boost for the local economy." Hoffman told the aldermen it might cost $25,000 to $30,000 to be a host city, but the total figure could be as low as $10,000. She said cost projections include increased security with local police, shutting down area highways and catering to race personnel with food and hotel rooms. Some of the costs could be offset by sponsors, Hoffman noted. .ð