Organizers of the tour decided it would be too sketchy to ride in Tahoe today. They were right. Check out the ice in the photo below that was taken at 8am in Squaw Valley today, May 16, 2011. The race will start in Nevada City today instead at 12:15pm.
This is a huge blow for Tahoe because I know how much we were all looking forward to this race being up here. We wanted to showcase our area on the global stage and that has been taken away. But, one thing the globe does know about Tahoe now, is that WE GET A TON OF SNOW UP HERE BITCHES!!!! So, that feels kinda good.
Regardless, I’m kinda bummed as I think it would have been really cool to have seen killer video shots from a heli of the peloton charging past the heavily wooded West Shore, the magical turquoise waters of the East Shore, people ripping turns in Squaw Valley, and the insane amount of snow on Donner Summit.
Oh, well. C’est la vie, non?
From the horses mouth www.amgentourofcalifornia.com:
NEVADA CITY, CALIF (May 16, 2011) – Due to uncertain weather and road conditions, race organizers have determined that the best way to ensure a complete course for Stage 2 of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California is to move the official start to 12:15 p.m. PT today to a location on Broad Street in Nevada City, California. Today’s start was originally scheduled to take place in Squaw Valley, California.
Following the peloton’s 12:15 p.m. PT departure from Nevada City, California, the riders will travel approximately 61 miles to Sacramento, picking up the original route. The riders will enter Sacramento at approximately 3 p.m. PT and complete three circuit laps before finishing in front of the Capitol Building between 3:30 and 3:45 p.m. PT. The race’s original schedule called for only one complete circuit, but due to the modified course, the additional two circuits were able to be added.
The tour pushed back their staring date from February to May especially so they could ride in the Sierra. What do you think? I think they should try it again next year but push it back to mid June. I really hope we don’t lose our chance at having the largest bike race in America in stunningly beautiful Lake Tahoe.
mid june is too close to the start of the tour de. mid to late sept. would be best. then they could incorporate some gnar climbs in the s. sierra.
The Amgen Tour of California used to start in February since it’s inception. This year they wanted to incorporate Tahoe and the Sierras and moved the start date to May to ensure good weather. They didn’t count on a La Nina like we’ve never seen before. It’s doubtful that they will be back in Tahoe. The Gran Tours have already begun in Europe and most teams will be there until late August doing the Tour de France, Tour of Spain, Switzerland, etc. Presently the Giro de Italia is in full swing and a fatal crash last week had the race organizers extra careful for this venue.
Good thing it has nothing to do with la Nina.. That’s just tahoe I have seen it snow in July. And even last year it snowed in June
that photo is great but it is sunny and dry on old 40 right now
Memorial weekend had always been great weather for Tahoe. ATOC should return, giving the international riders a high altitude training ground for the Alps UCI grand tours.
That road looks like sandy way. Squaw valley rd was slightly wet but had no snow or ice on it when I drove in this morning around 8:50. Hwy 89 was dry.
pedal sleds