Slick roads force cancellation of South Tahoe stage or Amgen Tour of California race
The first stage of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California was canceled minutes before it was set to begin because of concerns over snow and slick riding conditions at South Lake Tahoe. Organizers had hoped to shorten the course, but riders at the last minute voiced concern about conditions.
The focus now is the start of Stage 2, which will start at Squaw Valley where bicylists will ride 133 miles to Sacramento.
Despite the weather and the Highway 50 over Echo Summit detour, organizers of the Tahoe part of the event have put forth a valiant effort to welcome riders and visitors, with a number of events, banquets and presentations.
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Here's the schedule for Monday, May 16 – Stage 2
On Monday, May 16, the Amgen Tour of California will be coming from Squaw Valley USA through Truckee. The Truckee Police Department, in conjunction with the California Highway Patrol, will be providing traffic control for this event while it is in the Town of Truckee.
The event will enter Town limits on State Route 89 (SR-89) from Squaw Valley. It will continue northbound on SR-89 to Donner Pass Road, make a left turn onto westbound Donner Pass Road and continue on Donner Pass Road along Donner Lake, up to Old US-40 and the Donner Summit area.
Road closures will be of a short duration as the cyclists pass major intersections and should start about 9:50 a.m. on SR-89 and West River Street, and at about 10 a.m. at SR-89 and Donner Pass Road, progressing westbound on Donner Pass Road to the Donner Lake area and finally exiting Town limits by 10:30 a.m. Motorists can expect delays of up to 20 minutes at each of the major intersections. CHP officers will accompany the cyclists on motorcycles.
Motorists are urged to drive with caution and follow directions of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, El Dorado County Sheriff, Truckee Police Department and CHP officers, as well as race officials as the race passes by. Times for the Amgen Tour of California race are approximate, based on average speeds of the peloton and are subject to change.