I'm pleased to announce that Operation Gadget will cover the 2005 Dodge Tour de Georgia in person. I was granted a media credential for the event and I expect to be in Augusta on April 18 for the opening press conference and team presentations.

I'm planning to blog the Tour de Georgia and provide as much insight as possible into the largest professional bike race in the United States.

The Tour de Georgia grew substantially last year when Lance Armstrong and his U.S. Postal Service Cycling Team took part for the first time. Over 700,000 spectators watched one or more stages live in 2004. In 2005 the race is again expected to grow, thanks in part to the fact that Armstrong will defend his 2004 general classification victory. This will also be the first appearance of the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling team in a stage race in the United States.