June 18/10 11:15 am - Nature Valley GP: Stage 3 Cancelled

Posted by Editoress on 06/18/10
 

Report form organization

Cannon Falls Road Race Cancelled Due to Severe Weather

Last evening's Cannon Falls Road Race, Stage 3 of the Nature Valley Grand Prix, was called off due to inclement weather approaching Goodhue County. The men's race began at 5 p.m. as scheduled. Thirty minutes later, as the women were called to the start line to begin their 66-mile race through rural Goodhue County, weather reports forecasted 60 mile per hour winds and hail. Both races were then cancelled, and the men returned by car and bike to Cannon Falls as rain began to fall.

"We're always at the whim of Mother Nature," said race executive director David LaPorte. "It's unfortunate to have to call a race that these 200-plus men and women cyclists have prepared for, but we error on the side of safety for the riders at all times."

This is the first time in the Grand Prix's 12-year history when a race has been cancelled due to weather. Men's and women's race standings will remain the same as reported following Wednesday evening's Saint Paul Downtown Criterium.

Stage 4 of the Nature Valley Grand Prix commences on Friday evening, June 18, in the Uptown Neighborhood of Minneapolis. Streets around Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue will close at approximately 5:45 p.m. and racing begins with the women's criterium at 6:15, followed by the men at 7:45. The 2009 Uptown Criterium race drew nearly 15,000 spectators and more are expected to the highly popular event this year.