May 7/09 9:10 am - Tour of California Date Move Not Confirmed

Posted by Editor on 05/7/09
 

Despite recent reports that the Amgen Tour of California will move to mid-May next year, and join the ProTour the year after, there is no firm agreement in place.  Enrico Carpani, the UCI Press Officer, replied to an e-mail query on the status of the move that "Nothing has been decided yet; discussions are still ongoing."

AToC organizers have made statements that without the move it is possible that the race will not take place in 2010.  There have also been complaints that the AToC hasn't made use of the geography of California, including the mountains for a mountain top finish.  Organizers have pointed out that this is not feasible for the current February dates, when there is still too much snow.

However, a move to mid-May will put the AToC up against the Giro d'Italia, as well as other smaller European stage races.  While it could offer an alternative preparation race for the Tour de France, other long standing races - such as Tour de Suiss and Catalunya - are like to protest, since it could draw top riders away from their events.