Pasadena is out as start for Stage 6 of Tour of California

Pasadena is no longer the starting city for Stage 6 of the 2010 Tour of California.

California's state road department (Caltrans) notified the organizers about winter damage to the Angeles Crest Highway (Route 2) above La Cañada Flintridge that created potential safety hazards to racers and spectators who will line the route.

The Tour is searching for a city to replace Pasadena. The bike race rolls out from May 16-23.

Stage 6 is touted as the big mountain stage of the race. Organizers moved the bike race to May (after four years in February) so it could take advantage of the warmer weather and open mountain passes for bicycle racing.

AEG sports president Andrew Messick said:

“Stage 6 will still finish in Big Bear Lake as planned and we look forward to a challenging stage in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains.”

Stage 6 is scheduled for May 21.

The bike race ends May 23 with a circuit race around Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and Agoura Hills.