Tour of California Stage 1 - South Lake Tahoe - North Lake Tahoe 191 km

[roundabout]

Wait, you're seriously comparing the Gavia where there's snow most years ( people can ski there til May) and it wasn't snowing during the stage to what seems a rather unusual snowfall which is forecast to continue?

 

[18-Valve. (pithy)]

TOC organizers obsession with NoCal will be the death of them.

Altogether avoiding the OC all these years as well.

Yeah, what is up with that?

 

[Boeing]

Yeah, what is up with that?

the only objective excuse i hear is that the number of city and county bureaucracies present far too many fees, applications and decision-makers that the process of opening and closing roads is a nightmare. which are big hoops to jump through and make timely decisions problematic. most just don't want to close roads

 

[the vagabond]

This is not just a problem for today. Low temperature for tonight is forecast to be 20 degrees Fahrenheit (record for the date is 23). Even Tuesday and Wednesday will be quite cool at the lower elevations closer to the coast. This is going to turn into a worse weather disaster than even the first two cold, rainy tours.

September, anyone? That's about the only time in CA the weather is uniformly good.

 

[roundabout]

September is good. A while ago I made the point about holding ToC close to Canadian races.

 

[Boeing]

"Hey Messick it's sunny in Idyllwild!" @greymanrod

 

[Boeing]

September is good. A while ago I made the point about holding ToC close to Canadian races.

September would be a good call right around interbike and all

 

[FabulousCandelabra]

These ToC organizers are pushing their luck!! what a brilliant idea to start this thing at tahoe... what a bummer! They should be in my home region of sonoma county, and the bay area, santa cruz, etc, bah...

 

[Polish]

Thats why they call them Grand

Having a stage shortened because of dangerous snow conditions - one of the many trademarks of a Grand Tour.

It's happened at the Giro a few times.
It's happened at the Tour a few times.
Not sure if it ever happened at the Vuelta....
But it will soon happen for the first time at an Amgen Tour of California.
They grow up so fast sniff.
Vive le AToC!

 

[The Hitch]

September is good. A while ago I made the point about holding ToC close to Canadian races.

Then they would lose their whole "TOC is prep for the only race that matters, while losers do the Giro" line.

Even though its not really rooted in reality, since only Schlecklet Horner and Hejsdal from the top 10 last year did the TOC.

Besides why would you have a race in the off season anyway. Season is May(Cali) June (lesser prep races) and July (Big race) as far as they are concerned.

 

[krismtb]

Check out the caltrans cameras for live video feed of current conditions.

Surfaces are wet but the only real problem I can see out there is the temperatures, as they'll get pretty low if you include wind-chill during riding and wind gusts.

http://video.dot.ca.gov/

Scroll down to the Tahoe area section and I suggest looking at the 89/28 junction and the 267 at Northstar junction.

Lets all support this sport in our country, even you euros who love to hate anything US. The ATOC can only help in that regards. We have enough hate from uneducated, bicycle-loathing drivers. Kay thanks.

 

[jaylew]

Then they would lose their whole "TOC is prep for the only race that matters, while losers do the Giro" line.

C'mon, Hitch. I've never heard anyone say that.

 

[roundabout]

Yeah, it's something only Polish would write

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

Hinault has won races in worse weather.

 

[Boeing]

Then they would lose their whole "TOC is prep for the only race that matters, while losers do the Giro" line.

Even though its not really rooted in reality, since only Schlecklet Horner and Hejsdal from the top 10 last year did the TOC.

Besides why would you have a race in the off season anyway. Season is May(Cali) June (lesser prep races) and July (Big race) as far as they are concerned.

one reason would be to showcase lesser know riders for contract season but then it loses it so called "grad" appeal as you suggest

 

[The Hitch]

C'mon, Hitch. I've never heard anyone say that.

Polish, Spartacus Rox and one of the Lance accounts, have said it repeatedly.

Ok so i guess im being a little facetious, considering who it is saying it. I have no idea if they are trolling or if they are actually copying what the organisers are saying.

Considering mcquack said Giro and Vuelta should be reduced to 2 weeks to accomodate Cali, and Backsted said Vuelta should be reduced, i wouldnt be surprised to hear that they are saying this as well.

 

[krismtb]

Ow, now seeing snow flurries at 267 at Northstar:
http://video.dot.ca.gov/asx/d3-northstar-267.asx

Don't let that icycle fall on your head, either!

 

[flicker]

It's ok people - the Giro has never had to deal with snow ever!

Oh...ermm...umm...

Tahoe race, elevation 6500-7300, snowy, sub-freezing temps, 55 MPH+ descents, first day of the race, over 100miles. Dangerous conditions.
Good call by the organizers, calling the race is showing the respect for the fallen rider in the GIRO and for the other riders who are in the TOC.
I like the call.
Contrary to what the haterz say here, this isn't Rollerball, Roller Derby, NAscar, Ice Hockey, Pro wrestling or ultimate fighting.
Last year in the ToC Cancellera went down at high speed and Boonen wrecked his season in a spill in Sacramento.
The Tahoe stage was a high speed circuit race at altitude.
It is not a once over the summit GIRO stage.
If anyone thinks that a 4 hour race at altitude, sub-freezing with snow and maybe ice is OK say Aye!

 

[Astana1]

Polish, Spartacus Rox and one of the Lance accounts, have said it repeatedly.

Then it probably came directly from Messick. This should be taken seriously.

 

[Boeing]

meanwhile the skiing is still damn good at Squaw

Further south Mammoth is open and running lifts to the top

 

[Astana1]

meanwhile the skiing is still damn good at Squaw

Further south Mammoth is open and running lifts to the top

Definitely some people getting in some nice runs on the freshies.

 

[Polish]

Then they would lose their whole "TOC is prep for the only race that matters, while losers do the Giro" line.
.

Did I say that?
Gosh, I don't remember

But if I ever did, I would like to apologize to Marco, Big Mig, and Lance among many others.

Didn't Marco win a snow shortened stage the year he won the Double?
(The Giro/Tour Double not the AToC/Tour double lol)

 

[Polish]

AToC/TdF Double

Floyd is the only rider to win the AToC/Tour Double btw.
Levi has gotten close.

 

[the vagabond]

Hinault has won races in worse weather.

I don't think so. Current temp is -3 C with snow and strong winds. Wind chill won't rise above -10 C all day.

TofC did press its luck. Average low temperature in Tahoe for this date is 0 C, according to accuweather.

What other race starts in a venue where the average low temperature for the date is 0 C? Can't think of any.

 

[Waterloo Sunrise]

I don't think so. Current temp is -3 C with snow and strong winds. Wind chill won't rise above -10 C all day.

TofC did press its luck. Average low temperature in Tahoe for this date is 0 C, according to accuweather.

What other race starts in a venue where the average low temperature for the date is 0 C? Can't think of any.

Not really sure what the temperature at 4am has to do with a bike race, but never mind.