Tour of Cali Possibly Effected Tomorrow

Snow at Lake Tahoe
Photo via UnitedHealthcare-Maxxis rider Rory Sutherland

Stage 1 of the Amgen Tour of California was unfortunately canceled due to the risks presented to riders, spectators and staff by winter-like weather conditions.  Many riders expressed their agreement that the cancellation of stage 1 was the right thing to do.  This was further underscored by reports that as many as 6 race marshals may have been involved in an incident or incidents resulting in their motorcycles crashing in the slippery conditions.  There are no reported injuries as a result of these crashes.

However, while stage 1 is behind us, there is still risk of potential impact on tomorrow’s stage 2.

Current predictions are for a 50% chance of snow at Donner Pass – the highest elevation of the route.  At a press conference on Monday following the stage 1 cancellations, officials stated that a plan ‘B’ was already in place for the second day of racing.  Given that the rest of stage 2 is mostly downhill after Donner Summit, this plan B could possibly be a modification of the starting location.

Stage 2 diverts off of the path of Interstate 80 onto CA Highway 20.  The descent into the valley continues through Nevada City before finally turning south for the flat run up to Sacramento.  The course does a loop around the state capitol building as it has done in past years, and is likely to result in a sprint finish to the line.