From rain to snow?

Today’s stage of the Amgen Tour of California may be free of rain, but snow in the high country may force a re-routing of the course, VeloNews managing editor Neal Rogers reports from the start in Merced.

The final KOM point — the 5-mile-long Cat. 3 ascent of Crane Valley Road — is the one organizers are said to be concerned about, according to VeloNews editorial director John Wilcockson. Technical director Chuck Hodge told Rogers that the road is being cleared, organizers have a man on course and a plan in place; should a re-route become necessary, it will be announced before the scheduled start at 11 a.m. local time.

Conditions at the start are clear and cool. The forecast at the finish in Clovis calls for mostly sunny conditions with a high near 58 and south-southeast wind between 5 and 7 mph.

Organizers remain optimistic that the stage will proceed as scheduled, Rogers said. And Ibis Cycles’ Scot Nicol, via e-mail before leaving the start to drive to Clovis, reports thusly: “Bright sun and getting warm now. Guessing the roads will clear fast.”

Stay tuned to VeloNews.com for details as they become available.

FILED UNDER: Amgen Tour of California / Road TAGS: Amgen Tour of California