Heavy rains which flooded part of the course led to the postponement of the Amstel Curacao race today, with the event to take place instead tomorrow.
The end of season event will now be run off at 10am in the morning, using a shortened course.
“The rains have made the route too dangerous,” stated the organisers, “large portions of the trail are under water. The safety of the riders comes above all.”
The rescheduled race will be approximately an hour long.
A number of big names are taking part in the event, including the Schleck brothers Andy and Frank, Saxo Bank team-mate Jakob Fuglsang, Jurgen van den Broeck (Omega Pharma Lotto), Tony Martin (HTC Columbia), Tour green jersey winner Alessandro Petacchi and Danilo Hondo (both Lampre-Farnese Vini).
Others who have been signed up include Niki Terpstra (Milram), Koos Moerenhout, Grischa Niermann and Bauke Mollema (Rabobank), Marc de Maar (UnitedHealthcare-Maxxis) and Wouter Poels (Vacansoleil).
The race is a valuable tourism boost to the island and gives the riders a chance to enjoy some late-season sunshine. It is well known for its images of riders basking in the sun and swimming with dolphins.
Alberto Contador won in 2009 and 2007, while Andy Schleck was first to the line in 2008. Contador has not travelled this year due to his suspension.