Race provided a platform to top stars like Sagan, Boonen, Cavendish
The move to May
(Image credit: Jonathan Devich)
In 2010, the Tour of California moved from its traditional February slot to May - a risky move that on one hand allowed the race to expand into the high mountains with less risk of bad weather (more on that later) and attract stronger fields of in-form riders tuning up for the Tour de France. However the race overlapped with the Giro d'Italia.
Then-director Andrew Messick told Cyclingnews in 2009: "The weather was really bad this year. We had three stages where it never stopped raining and was never above 40 degrees (F).
"It was our good fortune that [then-UCI President] Pat McQuaid came to visit the race this year after four days of rain. He had an opportunity to talk to everyone, including the riders and teams, and I think he realised that California is a great state, but it really does rain a lot in February and that’s not what we want to showcase. So we worked hard with the UCI to find a solution."
The move proved successful, with the race attracting plenty of top European riders who were looking to regain form following their post-Classics break ahead of the Tour de France. They enjoyed California's luxurious hotels and warm and sunny weather, but going up against the Giro also meant only a few riders had it on their calendar as a serious target.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.
