SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (CBS13) – The first stage of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California may be held in blustery conditions typically seen in the middle of winter rather than late spring.

The Stage 1 route begins Sunday morning in South Lake Tahoe and makes one-and-a-half laps around the lake before finishing Sunday afternoon at Northstar at Tahoe Resort.

A low pressure system sitting off the California coast is expected to create unsettled weather conditions by Sunday, bringing in chilly temperatures and thunderstorms across Northern California and potential snow for the Sierra.

The Tour of California was pushed to May beginning in 2010 after a memorably cold and stormy experience in a previous year’s race that was held in February.

Adding to potential headaches for enthusiasts, Highway 50 between Placerville and Tahoe has been shut down due to road repairs. Fans can travel to South Lake Tahoe via Highway 88 to Highway 89.