Giro d'Italia: 13th stage shortened due to bad weather conditions

The 13th stage of the Giro d'Italia has been changed again due to bad weather conditions. Instead of 199, the professional cyclists will have to tackle 74.6 kilometres on the route to the municipality of Crans-Montana in Switzerland on Friday.

"In view of the adverse weather conditions, especially on the Italian side, the commission has decided to comply with the athletes' request and apply the extreme weather protocol," the organisers announced.

Already 40 drivers had to get out

The pros around the German rider Lennard Kämna and this year's Giro stage winners Pascal Ackermann and Nico Denz will not start in Borgofranco d'Ivrea in Italy, but in the Swiss town of Le Chable at around 2.30 pm. The last part of the stage remains unchanged.

A few days ago, the 2469 metre high Grosser Sankt Bernard pass, the highest point of this year's Tour of Italy, was removed from the programme due to fresh snow and the risk of avalanches. The course had been shortened from 199 to 207 kilometres and the peloton was to be routed through the tunnel at a lower altitude.

Around 40 riders have already had to withdraw from this year's tour due to injury and illness. These include a number of pros with positive corona tests, such as Belgian overall favourite Remco Evenepoel.

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