Dominator Tadej Pogacar received the beginning of the ultimate week of the 107th Giro d’Italia, characterised by very chaotic climate circumstances. The general chief from Slovenia received solo on Monte Pana close to Val Gardena and dropped Italian Giulio Pellizzari to second place on the shortened sixteenth stage. For Pogacar it was the fifth each day success within the present Giro. Total, it was the seventy fifth win of his profession.
Finest Pocket took the lead within the general standings. The 25-year-old is greater than seven minutes forward of the Colombian Daniel Martinez. German staff captain Bora-hansgrohe took third place, overtaking Welshman Geraint Thomas within the general rating.
Drivers don’t settle for the organizer’s suggestion
The day began comfortably at first. With temperatures of two levels and a 95 % probability of snow predicted on the Umbrella Cross, the skilled cyclists refused to begin. “There are vital well being dangers related to such circumstances,” mentioned the drivers’ union CPA. They might not be according to the laws of the UCI world affiliation concerning excessive climate circumstances.
The organizer RCS lastly determined to begin the stage in Laas a couple of hours late. In whole, the drivers nonetheless needed to cowl 118.7 kilometers in rain and chilly temperatures. “It is a actually unhealthy time,” Pogacar mentioned. “I’ve already seen snowflakes in our lodge, which is at an altitude of 1,900 meters. 600 meters larger it’s undoubtedly stuffed with snow. It is harmful to go there.”
After leaving Livigno, the 2498 meter excessive Umbrella Cross was purported to be crossed on Tuesday earlier than persevering with in the direction of the vacation spot Val Gardena. The organizer RCS initially deliberate to arrange a cease zone on the prime of the go the place the riders would have the chance to alter garments throughout a 3 minute break.
“2024 is the yr. Canceling and restarting racing below such circumstances is unacceptable,” the CPA continued. The Umbrella Cross was added to the route solely final week to exchange the Stelvio Cross at 2,758 meters excessive due to the hazard of buffers there.