Change of plans for bike race: Stage 6 of Amgen Tour of California won't start in Pasadena

Officials for the 2010 Amgen Tour of California announced Wednesday that because of bad road conditions caused by fire, rain and snow, it will not be possible to use the Angeles Crest Highway (California 2) as part of the  Stage 6 route next month.

Said tour director Andrew Messick:  "We have been forced to change the route for Stage 6 of the 2010 Amgen Tour of California. This change is being made at the direct request of Caltrans, which has notified us that due to the potential safety hazards, the road will be unable to accommodate our race. Stage 6, scheduled for May 21, will no longer start in Pasadena and we are working to secure a new stage start."

According to Messick, the stage will still finish at Big Bear Lake and will include an uphill portion  in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains.

-- Diane Pucin