Sacramento was treated to some fantastic pro racing as the modified stage 2 course of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California offered 3 circuits around the state capitol building. A breakaway of 4 riders struggled to stay ahead of the peloton, but were caught before rolling onto the streets of California’s capitol city, where huge crowds waited despite the threat of poor weather.
In response to anticipated weather conditions, officials have moved the start of stage 2 of the 2011 mgen Tour of California to Nevada City, CA. The start time has also been delayed to 12:15 Pacific Time. This essentially moves the start along the original route to the location and time it was expected to pass the new start location, thus allowing the rest of the 61 miles to follow the originally planned route.
The route was expected to leave Squaw Valley and pass over Donner Pass. However, the threat of more winter-like conditions again raised concerns for the safety of riders, spectators and crew, prompting this change.
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.
Update: Stage 1 was canceled. And Delores Pickford (@dpk4d) gives us a really good example of why.
The official release from officials says that Stage 1 of the Tour of California is slated for a 1:15pm Pacific time start – using a much shortened course allowing for the scheduled end time of 3:15-4pm pacific to remain as scheduled.
However, given the weather that just rolled through Sacramento, there still remains the possibility of a complete neutralization of the inaugural stage of the 2011 race.
We’re getting close to another Tour of California. The team lists show a competitive field that should make for some great racing. I’ll be covering a few of the stages for VeloReviews, as well as looking out for Team Type 1 for here at JustAnotherCyclist.com. Also, there are plans brewing to get some like minded folks together during some of the stages. If you are going to be at any of them, let me know so that we can meet up in person.