BOSTON — It will be several months before the first pedal is turned in the Montreal-Boston Cycling Tour, a Tour de France-like stage race with one stage in Vermont, but the wheels were officially set in motion for the race on Monday.

Vermont Governor Jim Douglas led a Vermont delegation to Boston on Monday for the launch of the Montreal-Boston Cycling Tour 2007.

The eight-stage race will take place from Aug. 5-12 in Canada and the United States with the first four stages in Quebec, the fifth stage in Vermont, two stages in New Hampshire and the final stage in Boston.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has granted the race a 2.1 license, which will allow competition in two countries. Race organizers hope to attract professional teams from around the world and the Quebec Minister of Education, Leisure and Sports, Jean-Marc Fournier, has approved a provincial sponsorship of $2 million in public funding for the event.

For the Vermont stage on Aug. 9, riders will begin at Jay Peak, travel south through Montgomery, Smuggler's Notch and Stowe, then through Morrisville and around Lake Elmore before swinging through Montpelier and finishing in the Mad River Valley at Sugarbush Resort's Lincoln Peak.

Representatives from the participating states, organizations and Quebec officially kicked off the Tour Monday at Boston Mayor Tom Menino's home.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight Vermont and the region as an outstanding destination for bicycling and all types of recreation," Governor Douglas said. "Bicyclists from all over the world are attracted to Vermont for the quality of the experience, and bicycling in Vermont is one of the major summer activities for visitors from Quebec. The Montreal-Boston Cycling Tour will allow us to promote fitness and emphasize Vermont's commitment to healthy lifestyles."

Also at the official kick-off Monday was UCI CEO Pat McQuaid of Ireland.

"I think that this new international event could become one of the best cycling events in the world." McQuaid said.

The CEO of the Montreal-Boston Cycling Tour is Daniel Manibal.

"We are really thrilled" Manibal, a seasoned organizer of world cup cycling events and the principal behind the venture, said. "After three years of hard work, the UCI not only grants us a unique race but bona fides it by according us the 2.1 license," said Manibal.

For more information, visit `www.montreal-boston-tour.com

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