With one exception (in 2010), the city of Solvang has been an annual stop on the Amgen Tour of California. Its time trial course often factors heavily into the outcome of what used to be the premier stage race in the U.S. (That status is now  bestowed on the USA Pro Cycling Challenge after an overwhelmingly successful inaugural year.)

For the 2012 edition of the Amgen Tour of California, we know Santa Rosa will host the start. And it now appears that Solvang will not host the time trial, much less any stage start or finish next May. Credit the Santa Maria Times for one of the most revealing stories about the financial requirements and demands placed on cities by the race's management company, AEG.

Get the full scoop here.