Riders' Union Forces Delay of Giro Stage Amid Icy Weather Concerns

The 16th stage of the Giro d'Italia faced a significant delay on Tuesday as icy weather conditions and challenging racing conditions stirred up tensions among the riders and organizers. The stage, which was supposed to start from Livigno and lead the peloton over the Col de l'Umbrail—standing at 2,500 meters—has become a locus of debate due to the extreme cold and slush anticipated to hinder the cyclists.

The riders' union, led by its president Adam Hansen, voiced staunch opposition to the current route. Hansen, in a letter to race management, highlighted the 'high risk' associated with descending the Col de l'Umbrail in frigid temperatures and slush, which could make the 20 km descent incredibly dangerous. The union's stand was backed by the Astana team's manager, Alexandr Vinokourov, who reported ongoing negotiations and the potential for transferring the start to a safer location.

Initially, the Giro's management suggested allowing riders to pause after the Col de l'Umbrail to change into dry clothes, but this proposal was met with heavy criticism. Many riders and teams labeled this suggestion as 'ridiculous' and 'clownesque.' The danger posed by stopping at high altitudes in already harsh conditions led the CPA to demand a more drastic adjustment: bypassing the problematic descent entirely via bus.

This stage has already seen significant modifications; the Giogo di Santa Maria pass, previously a part of the route, was cut from the itinerary due to avalanche concerns. A special protocol, which included a three-minute neutralized section for clothing changes at the summit, was put in place but failed to appease the riders. The overarching sentiment among cyclists is a willingness to engage in the competition and put on a show but not at the expense of their safety and health.