The sixteenth stage of the
Giro d'Italia originally planned from Livigno through the famous Passo dello Stelvio (later replaced by the Umbrailpass) with finish on the steep slopes of Monta Pana was feared not only for its parcours, but also due to the expected adverse weather, including heavy rain and potential of snow.
Later it became clear the stage won't be completed in it's full length as all riders agreed it would have been a wise decision to omit the dangerous
descent from Stelvio and start the stage Spondigna. President of the riders' association
Adam Hansen now went to X to explain how events unfolded on Tuesday morning.
"As it unfolded," the Aussie begins his message. "On the rest day, the CPA first contacted all stakeholders to arrange an agreement based on the weather forecast for stage 16. It was clear that the conditions on Umbrail Pass should invoke the UCI extreme weather protocol, and the riders proposed eliminating this pass to avoid 2 degrees with snow during the long descent. The riders' intention was to have a full race without having to stop and restart due to extreme weather."
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The riders stood united in their decision, which was communicated to show the seriousness of their stance," Hansen continues. "After many hours of negotiations on the morning of the race, the CPA did their best to convey the riders' seriousness in avoiding today's situation.
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"In the end, it was clear that Umbrail Pass could not have been raced as local authorities closed the pass due to too much snow. If the riders had raced, as the stakeholders wanted, the race would have stopped at the Umbrail Pass, says the ex-professional.
"So ultimately, due to the weather, the original race course could not have been completed. Especially since before the race had even started, it was 0 degrees with snow.
If that does not invoke the extreme weather protocol, then what does?"
To ask the question is to answer it, Hansen thinks. "It is 2024; we need to have a clear protocol in place for all stakeholders to understand and accept to preserve the good image of cycling. A 'let's see how it goes' approach, especially today, would have resulted in riders on the side of the road, scattered all over the climb, looking for shelter in the snow. This is not the solution for ensuring the riders' health."
