Originally Posted by
UmneyDurak
Actually prologue or TT up Mt. Diablo sounds nice.
They've got to think race strategy and they have to be realistic. Right now seems like they're mostly considering how to make the most money for the most host cities.
2009 ToC looks like it'll be decided by the ITT, just like every previous edition.
The hills are really fun for fans, but they just haven't been very effective at making a selection for GC.
Circuit races and downtown finishes are fun and profitable for the host cities, but again, not very strategic.
Imagine this: Start in the Southland with a prologue and a couple sprinters' stages, have an ITT about Stage 3, work north with a penultimate stage that finishes on top of Diablo (or even Junction so everyone can get back down easier) and then a circuit race around Sac for a finale and photos with Arnold. That would require true Grand Tour competition to win.
Walnut Creek could be the host city for the end of the Diablo stage (maybe the route could be around the Mountain and WC could be the start city as well?) and after the finish they would have the podium ceremony and Expo at Heather Farms or something.