VIDEO: Alberto Contador reports from Giro d'Italia snow blizzard - "There is only snow"

The Giro d'Italia has reached a dramatic climax this morning when it came to the Passo dello Stelvio debate. For months questions were on the table regarding the possibility of the mythical climb of being raced. It will not, but not even the alternative will. Alberto Contador had boots on the ground before the decision was made and reported on the first climbs of the day.

In a video shared on Instagram, the now Eurosport analyst rode up the Passo d'Eira and Passo del Foscagno, the first two climbs of stage 16 (which were not even categorized) and reported from the ground the heavy snow conditions. "Passo del Foscagno, kilometer 11. And from kilometer 2 of the stage until here there is only snow. The teams are not happy, it's normal in this situation, and there is nothing official now."

The Umbrailpass was under heavy risk of snow, besides the freezing temperatures, which caused mayhem during the rest day and this morning as all teams decided not to take to the start if the stage was to be raced as originally planned. Health and safety conditions were not assured for the riders and this forced a tough debate between CPA and RCS (the Giro's organizers).

"It's probably one of the worst organized races I think, I'm just being honest," Ben O'Connor said in words prior to the stage start, whilst waiting in Livigno for a start that riders weren't even aware of where it'd be.

Ultimately the decision was taken for the riders to start the stage in Livigno and have a neutralized start through a tunnel into Prati allo Stelvio. The small town comes after the descent of the Umbrailpass and ultimately, the first three climbs of the day have been removed. This will make a meaningful impact on the stage's outlook, making it significantly easier.