An unseasonal snow storm has forced the cancellation of the opening stage of the Tour of California.
The race organizers delayed the original start time by almost three hours and agreed to shorten the 191km stage stage in the hope of getting underway.
The 18 teams and 144 riders even made it to the starting line and were a minute away from beginning the race when the stage was officially abandoned.
The eight-day event will now be held over seven days, starting on Monday with a 214km ride from Squaw Valley ski resort to Sacramento.
