The 2011 Amgen Tour of California has been hit with another weather delay at the start of Stage Two forcing race organizers to once again adjust on the fly. Organizers announced that the start of stage two has been pushed back two hours from 10:15am pacific time to 12:15pm pacific time. Additionally, instead of starting in Squaw Valley, Stage 2 will begin in Nevada City, California on Broad Street.
The change now has the cyclists riding 61 miles from Nevada City to Sacramento. They will then pick up the original route around Sacramento, entering the state capital around 3:00pm pacific time. Due to the modified course, the racers will make three circuits around the capital instead of the previously planned one.
The race website will include an adjusted map at some point this morning, but in the meantime, race organizers released the following statement:
“Thanks to the quick action taken by Duane Strawser, Nevada City’s 2010 local organizing committee (LOC) chairman, we were able to make this location change, allowing us a great and practical location to lead off today’s race,” said Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports, presenter of the race. “Nevada City did an outstanding job hosting 2010’s first stage and we know that the riders and fans will appreciate the return. We owe a debt of gratitude to Andy Chapman, Carol Chaplin and everyone in Squaw Valley, who worked tirelessly to create what would have been an exceptional Stage 2 start and hope that we will have an opportunity to bring the Amgen Tour of California to the city in a future year.”