Giro d'Italia director Zomegnan removed from role

Director of the Giro d'Italia, Angelo Zomegnan, has been requested to step down by event organiser RCS Sport after seven years in charge of the race.

According to RCS Sport, Zomegnan will remain with the organisation in a development role. RCS Sport general director Michele Acquarone will take on responsibility for race organisation, with Mauro Vegni assuming responsibility for race management.

A statement issued by RCS Sport on Tuesday said: "To Angelo Zomegnan, RCS Sport tributes recognition and gratitude for the valuable contribution in recent years, which has allowed to significantly increase the reputation and relevance of the Giro d'Italia, both in Italy and abroad.

"The organization of the Giro d'Italia and other RCS Sport cycling events will continue in the name of continuity with the purpose of maintaining the excellent level of quality achieved so far and aiming at excellence in the organisation of sport events: quality objectives that represent the mission of all RCS Sport branches."

This year's edition of the Italian Grand Tour was heavily criticised by riders, team management and fans after the death of Leopard-Trek rider Wouter Weylandt on the descent of the Passo Del Bocco on stage three.

The race then suffered organisational set-backs including the re-routing of stage 14 to avoid the controversial Crostis climb, which triggered a protest from disgruntled fans at the roadside.

The route of final time trial stage in Milan was also changed at the last minute to avoid clashing with local election traffic.

Zomegnan took on the role of Giro d'Italia race director in 2004, having previously worked for Italian sports paper Gazzetta dello Sport from 1979.

Related links

Giro changes again: Final Milan time trial shortened

Weylandt killed in Giro crash

Giro d'Italia 2011: Cycling Weekly's coverage index