ATOC: Stage 1 Snowed Out

The buzz at the start line for stage 1 of the Amgen Tour of California was among the best in the sport as numerous fans lined up for a chance to see the start of America's premiere event.

And then they were off! And sprinting right off the start too! ...well, sprinting to get back on the buses. The only thing cyclists hate more than bitter cold is bad road conditions, so a combination of those 2 surely would have lead to disaster.

The stage was initially set to be postponed to 1:15 local time and shortened significantly, but the conditions were just too bad to risk it. It really is a shame for all the fans that turned up but just look at these roads. They'd be nuts to let them ride in this.

The even scarier part is that poor weather again threatens the start of the race tomorrow. This late-spring snowstorm sweeping across the Sierra region certainly could wreak havoc on this event, but I (and the race officials) am still optimistic that they will get going tomorrow.

Here's what it will look like.

Sprinter's paradise.