Stage 19 of the 2013 Giro d'Italia has been cancelled due to heavy snowfall along the route from Ponte di Legno to Val Martello.
Giro organiser RCS Sport issued a statement on Friday morning:
"Due to adverse weather conditions and, in particular, snow on the stage route in its entirety, stage 19 of the Giro d'Italia, from Ponte di Legno to Val Martello/Martelltal, has been cancelled."
Last night RCS had issued details of a revised stage route, missing out the high mountains climbs of the Gavia and Stelvio, both of which are covered in snow. However, snowfall has now affected the entire stage and the organiser has had no option other than cancel the day's racing.
Saturday's stage to Tre Cime del Lavaredo could also be affected.
Adverse weather has affected the race almost from day one, with heavy rain and snow placing a burden on the riders. Last Sunday's stage to the Col du Galibier was shortened due to snow.
Several riders have withdrawn due to illness exacerbated by the conditions, including British overall hope Bradley Wiggins (Sky) and defending champion Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp).
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Snowy conditions on Friday. Photo by Graham Watson
Related links
Giro skips Gavia and Stelvio due to snow
Giro d'Italia 2013: Previews and race info
Giro d'Italia 2013: British TV schedule
Giro d'Italia 2013: 10 things you need to know
Giro d'Italia 2013: The Big Preview
Giro d'Italia 2013: Stage reports
Stage 18: Nibali wins time trial to extend lead
Stage 17: Visconti wins from escape
Stage 16: Intxausti continues Movistar's successful Giro with stage win
Stage 15: Visconti wins Galibier stage
Stage 14: Santambrogio wins and Nibali strengthens lead
Stage 13: Cavendish takes his fourth stage win of 2013 Giro
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
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