For the second day in a row, uncertain weather and road conditions have forced organizers of the Amgen Tour of California to make major changes in the race plan and ultimately abandon both of the Lake Tahoe stages.

The following release was issued at 5:14am on Monday, May 16th.

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 Palisades Tahoe, 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 Stage 2 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. 

“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 the first stage of the 2010 race 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 Palisades Tahoe, 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.”

An updated Stage 2 course map and log will be posted on the official race website later this morning.

For more information about the Amgen Tour of California, visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.