Stage one of the Tour of California was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

Snow in the Lake Tahoe area forced the abandonment just 30 seconds before the re-scheduled start.

Organisers had initially trimmed the course to 80km and delayed the start.

Three-time winner Levi Leipheimer said on Twitter that safety was the paramount consideration.

"We the riders are disappointed about not racing for the fans but we agreed it was too risky in the ever-changing weather," he said.

Monday's stage two is scheduled to run 214.4 km from North Lake Tahoe to Sacramento.

Eurosport