Originally Posted by spingineer
Too bad they couldn't push it out to April. They really are missing the beauty of California. Wonder if they'll do some of the Redwoods. Would be cool if they hit Angeles Crest Hwy, and come back through Mt. Baldy ... but otherwise, it looks like a pretty flat tour ... and it will be pretty fast.
I think its better to keep it as an early season warm-up. The Europeans have better things to do in April, unless the organizers wanted to go head-to-head with the Tour de Georgia. Besides, it's a long way from Europe to California, and having it so early in the season means no over-focused Euros will have to worry about it screwing up their circadian rhythms in mid-season. I think this is why other non-European races (Tour of Qatar, Tour de Lankawi, JCTDU) are early in the season (though JCTDU might have something to do with being on the wrong half of the planet. )