The organizers of the Tour of Italy announced Monday evening the implementation of a special and adaptable protocol depending on the weather conditions for the 16th stage this Tuesday when bad weather is forecast.
The 16th stage between Livigno and Monte Pana had already been cut off from the legendary Stelvio, which was to be the roof of this Giro, due to the risk of avalanche. But the race must always pass at the start of the stage via the neighboring summit of Giogo du Santa Maria perched at an altitude of 2,498 meters.
However, after two pleasant weeks, the weather forecast was bad for Tuesday at the Giro, which led the organizers (RCS), in consultation with representatives of the riders and teams, to adopt special measures.
“If the weather conditions are normal, the race will take place as planned”indicated RCS in a press release, with however some arrangements for the runners such as the authorization of refueling up to 10 km from the finish and the possibility for the broom car in particular to “distribute additional rain/cold clothing”.
If conditions worsen, the race will be neutralized for 3 minutes
If conditions worsen, “a parking area will be created at the top of Giogo di Santa Maria to give runners the opportunity to change clothes. The race will be neutralized for 3 minutes”.
A decision immediately criticized by runners like the German Simon Geschke who lamented on X: “3 minutes? I don’t know what circus RCS is preparing for us. I think it’s going to turn into ridiculous chaos. Might as well keep driving. Yet another proof that we runners are not taken seriously.”
Finally, in the event of extreme weather conditions, “the stage will be neutralized until a place where safety conditions are satisfied”further indicated the RCS organizers.
After two weeks of racing, Slovenian Tadej Pogacar leads the general classification with almost seven minutes ahead of his first pursuers, with six stages remaining until the finish on Sunday in Rome.
