Today’s Stage 19 (Ponte di Legno to Val Martello) of the Giro d’Italia is to be rerouted due to adverse weather conditions. Originally set at 160km and taking in the Passo Gavia and Passo del Stelvio – at 2,783m the highest point of the race – the revised 139km leg sees neither climb tackled, as extreme cold and snow add to the meteorological misery that has blighted much of this year’s race. Although Stage 19 will still finish as planned Val Martello riders will instead tackle Passo del Tonale and Pass Castrin.
Going into today’s stage, Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali retains his overall lead, having further extended his advantage after his win on yesterday’s mountainous 20.6km Time Trial. On a total time of 73h 55’58”, Nibali sits more than four minutes ahead of second-placed Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) and third-placed Rigoberto Uran of Team Sky.
The Giro d’Italia concludes on Sunday May 26.
