Dhe hotel transfer for the cycling pros after the first big mountain finish at the 106th Giro d’Italia caused chaos and criticism of the organizers. For the descent from the Gran Sasso d’Italia, which is over 2000 meters high, the organizers had referred the teams to the cable car on Friday. According to the riders, this was not reserved for professionals, but could also be used by fans, service staff and the Giro’s support team, which led to crowds and chaos.
Driver consultant Ken Sommer criticized the unprofessional organization as well as some professionals. Alternatively, after the more than 200-kilometer stage with temperatures in the single-digit range, the drivers could also cycle down into the valley or drive their car, which would have taken an estimated time of almost an hour.
Two minutes in the helicopter
Since some drivers had themselves flown down into the valley by helicopter, the world association UCI intervened on Saturday. One strongly condemns the use of helicopters, which would give some drivers an advantage. In addition, this would arise from efforts to minimize the ecological footprint. The UCI announced penalties. It was initially unclear which and how many drivers flew by helicopter.
Belgian journalist Renaat Schotte reported that Giro organizer RCS World Champion Remco Evenepoel offered a helicopter flight. It took the captain of the Quick-Step team just over two minutes to get from the finish to the hotel. On large tours, it is common for riders involved in the podium ceremonies to be flown down into the valley by helicopter, as they have to stay longer in the finish area. Evenepoel did not have to attend a ceremony on Friday.
The Corona cases at the Giro d’Italia are increasing. One day before the first long individual time trial, former world champion Filippo Ganna has to withdraw from the race after a positive test. The Italian is the fourth case in the current Giro, and before the start of the second most important national tour, numerous professional cyclists had withdrawn their start due to a Covid disease.
Only on Friday did the German hope Lennard Kämna lose an important helper in the Italian Giovanni Aleotti. As Ganna’s team Ineos-Grenadiers announced on Saturday, the 26-year-old had shown mild, flu-like symptoms. For the time trial world champion of 2020 and 2021, victory on the ninth stage on Sunday, a fight against the clock over 35 kilometers, was the big goal at the Giro.
