Dahlonega cites higher costs, will miss 2007 TdG

MyFox Atlanta | Georgia City Complains of Change in Tour de Georgia

Dahlonega's Chamber of Commerce says they've been priced out of the Tour de Georgia.

Dale Steenbergen, the CoC chairman, said organizers told him they would have to come up with $25,000 to $30,000 to keep the race in Dahlonega. “That's gone up from 7-8 thousand the first year.”

Dahlonega has been a finish line for each of the three Tours de Georgia so far. Steenbergen also suggests the Tour will be bypassing much of the area around Dahlonega. That I'll believe when I see it.

Medalist Sports President Chris Aronholt replied:

“We believe very strongly in our business model. We have a model that is equal and fair and open. We're always open to criticism.”

Aronholt also told Fox 5's Paul Yates the numbers Steenbergen reported weren't correct.

The route announcement is reportedly expected next week. The Fox 5 report says there were 18 cities vying for 12 host spots this year.