The heartbreaking criticism of the former Italian cycling coach on what happened in stage 13 of the Giro d'Italia: "At this rate there will be fewer and fewer fans"

Yesterday the organization of the Giro d'Italia decided to shorten the stage and leave it at 74 kilometers due to forecasts of bad weather and pressure from the cyclists. Then, criticism emerged from several fans and figures within the sport, the Italian national team coach included.

The former Italian national team coach Davide Cassani wanted to give his opinion on the matter in an open letter on his social networks with which it is difficult not to agree. He criticizes the decision of the cyclists to shorten a stage alleging adverse weather conditions that were in his opinion not true.

Read also

PREVIEW | Giro d'Italia 2023 stage 14 - Sprinter day with 20-kilometer Alpine pass to start the day

Here is their full press release:

"We all did badly today. The riders decided to skip the first part of the stage because of the bad weather. It's true that it was raining at the start, but it wasn't cold and there were no low temperatures on the 2100-meter Croix de Coeur. The riders' union decided this, but I think the decision was wrong.

There is an Italian syndicate chaired by Cristian Salvato and an international syndicate, which as of this year is headed by Adam Hansen.

Read also

Geraint Thomas on lack of Roglic attacks: "I think Primoz is happy to keep me in the jersey for a few more days"

I think both Salvato and Hansen should not be spokespersons but to draw the line. Basically to prevent their affiliates from making those numbers. At the start it was 12 degrees, at the top of the climb up to 10 and it wasn't even raining in Switzerland.

In these conditions we had to run because the conditions allowed it. If we shortened the races in weather like today's, 30% of the races would have to be cancelled.

Read also

"You could clearly see that everyone was good" - João Almeida believes legs were saved at Crans-Montana

At this rate there will be fewer and fewer fans because today, with good reason, they have felt betrayed.

It's fair to say that there were a lot of angry cyclists at the finish line and I think the reason was that they were against shortening the stage.

I've always admired cyclists for what they are capable of doing and that's why I've always called them heroes. There was nothing heroic today."

Read also

Prize Money Giro d'Italia 2023 - Full guide to how €1.500.000 will be split between teams

"It was quite a stressful day, waiting in the bus all day" - Laurens de Plus excels for INEOS on unique stage at the Giro d'Italia