This year's Amgen Tour of California is set to kick off in the picturesque setting of Lake Tahoe, but with inclement weather on the horizon in the form of snow, organizers are prepared to change the route if needed. Stage one's route is set to test the peloton at high altitude with an average elevation of 6,200 ft on tap for the 191 kilometer ride. The unpredictability of riding the day at high elevations could now have another twist.
“The 2011 Amgen Tour of California is scheduled to kick off Sunday, May 15, in South Lake Tahoe at 10:30 a.m. PT," read a statement this morning from AEG Sports president Andrew Messick. "As everyone is aware, there is a storm front predicted to reach the area. Therefore race organizers, in conjunction with the commissaires, teams and public safety organizations, have developed a number of contingency plans with the safety of the riders and fans being the number one priority."
The weather front that has taken aim at the Amgen Tour of California is far from a done deal, with the organizers realizing that the mountains present a level of unpredictability for weather predictions. Regardless of what happens, the organization is ready to make sure the race carrys on in a safe manner.
"The weather is constantly changing in the Sierras, and our team will be assessing weather conditions throughout the morning," Messick continued. "A decision on any changes to the route and timing will be made at 9 a.m. PT tomorrow, and will ultimately be based on what is best and most safe for our riders and spectators. Details will be distributed on the official race website and via email.”