The reviews are in — September’s Tour of Missouri bicycle race infused St. Joseph with visitors and cash and electronically linked spectators across the globe.

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, who helped prepare the area for the influx of cyclists and supporters on Sept. 8, called the tour a tremendous success. He told a small gathering at City Hall Tuesday afternoon that the tour’s Stage One translated into $703,332 in tourist spending and 4,200 visitors to St. Joseph.

An estimated 434,000 spectators combined watched the seven-day race at some point. About 2,100 people watched competitors as they raced through Kansas City, and 10,500 spectators spanned the St. Joseph to Kansas City route. Total economic impact was pegged at $29.8 million, up from $26.2 million for last year’s inaugural tour that didn’t include St. Joseph. The 2007 tour drew almost 368,000 people.

All figures are projections based on an economic impact study by IFM Sports, a firm Mr. Kinder said is regarded internationally for its sports marketing and research. Tourism comprised the bulk of the spending, he added.

“You folks in St. Joseph really stepped up,” he said. “This was a massive undertaking. This year surpassed our expectations.”

The tour attracted a more affluent spectator who chose to stay longer and spend more money each day, he said.

The success came despite inclement weather and a tough economy, Mr. Kinder noted. A visit by the remnants of Hurricane Ike in the St. Louis area cut down crowds there for the final stage.

A total of 77 percent of non-Missouri residents who planned a trip to the state called the race the primary reason for their visit, according to the study.

A global Internet audience from 139 nations — including Sweden, France and China — watched the tour’s progress, compared to 73 countries last year.

“All of those things we can build on in future years,” Mr. Kinder said.

The state has a contract to hold the Tour of Missouri again in 2009. The International Cycling Union has designated the tour with a 2.HC ranking, making it one of the three races of its type in the Northern Hemisphere.

“We have a shot at getting Lance Armstrong to our race next year,” Mr. Kinder said.

“It can be said to unite our state,” he added of the tour.

Marci Bennett — who along with Mr. Kinder sits on the Missouri Tourism Commission — praised local officials and volunteers for helping prepare the event.

“You guys rocked,” she said. “You did great.”

Next year’s tour route hasn’t been announced.

Ray Scherer can be reached at rscherer@npgco.com.