Giro d'Italia: more withdrawals, via Vlasov and Petilli
The number of athletes who abandoned the race rises to twenty-five. Meanwhile, the thirteenth stage will not pass through the Gran San Bernardo Pass
Evenepoel withdrew from the Giro (Ansa)
More withdrawals from the Giro d'Italia and so far 25 cyclists have abandoned the Corsa Rosa, now in its tenth stage, the Scandiano-Viareggio.
After the nine, including the world champion Remco Evenepoel, who retired after last Sunday's time trial, today several other riders called a halt, including the Russian Aleksandr Vlasov and Simone Petilli, who got off their bikes during the race .
The Italian is part of Intermarché, the team of Norwegian Sven Erik Bystroem, who regularly showed up today at the start despite having tested positive for Covid.
The reasons for the withdrawals of Vlasov and Petilli were not disclosed, but right from the start of today's stage it was understood that the Russian, sixth in the general classification, was not feeling well.
Meanwhile, the organizers of the Giro d'Italia have officially communicated the change to the route of the 13th stage - the Borgofranco d'Ivrea-Crans Montana, scheduled for next Friday, May 19 - which will not pass through the Gran San Bernardo Pass, but through the tunnel " given the exceptional snowfall and in light of the risk of avalanches".
The Cima Coppi is then moved to the arrival of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, in the 19th stage on 26 May. Following the route change, stage 13 will have a length of 199 km, while the ascent of the Gran San Bernardo remains a first-category mountain grand prix.
