Stage 2 of Amgen race coming to Nevada City

Editor’s note: Still no word from the local press, but this press release confirms what I’d been hearing and the buzz that was going around on Facebook last night.

“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 Squaw Valley, 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 Squaw Valley, 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.”