Well maybe this will be a good thing. Let's make the race about an interesting route, rather than what cities are willing to host or not. I admit, as a fan, I have no interest in the money side of it, and if this event does not generate the revenue for towns, as you claim, then let's balance it with a better route. No offense, but towns like Merced, Modesto, Bakersfield, and to some extent Livermore, don't have much to offer the viewing public, or the race organization for that matter. I always disliked the routes down the central valley that were exceedingly boring, probably for the riders as well. I'd love to see more of a mountainous route anyway, and lets acknowledge that the North Coast exists! LA to Santa Rosa every year, time to switch it up! Or, at least try to find towns that are bicycling friendly, like Davis. Host cities like that would hopefully do much better than any crummy city in SoCal.