2013 Giro d'Italia, Stage19: Ponte Di Legno - Val Martello/Martelltal 160 kms

[observer]

If they do shorten the last stage, something similar to blockhaus 2009 would be good. Very short, with attacks from the start of the climb.

 

[Ferminal]

you've ever been up the Stelvio/Stilfser Joch?
no sane person would cycle up there today, no sane person would even go up there with the car today (maybe some 4x4 enthusiasts).

Pretty dangerous, isn't it?

Latest weather around Val Martello seems to indicate that it will not be much worse than Jafferau/Galibier so I think they will make it to the top.

Tail wind too I think.

Tomorrow I'd say is 50/50, doesn't seem to be as bad out east but conditions on the passes may still be as bad as they were for Sestriere.

 

[stetre76]

Pretty dangerous, isn't it?

depends on the way they clear the road

maybe you know the Arlbergpass in Austria (I think the Deutschlandtour went over it once or twice) - the Arlbergpass is at 1.793m so considerably lower than the Stelvio - today all cars need at least winter tyres and winter equipment to get over the pass.
So that might give you a picture what the Gavia or Stelvio could be like today.

I think the biggest problem is the cold - minus 15°C on the Stelvio is cold, and then descending on the bike >>>> freezing (and imho dangerous)

Do you ski? well, then you know what it feels like skiing at minus 15°C and then you are wearing not only a rain/thermo jacket but winter clothes...

 

[Pippo_San]

This is the Tonale right now.
Don't ask me how they're gonna ride today on those climbs.

 

[stetre76]

Passo Stelvio webcam shot from today

 

[luckyboy]

This is the Tonale right now.
Don't ask me how they're gonna ride today on those climbs.

yikes. not hopeful about today

 

[SafeBet]

I live in Milano and it's like February. Very cold and windy. Can't imagine how it is over there. I'm not positive at all.

 

[gregrowlerson]

Doesn't look like too bad a re-arranged route for stage 19 considering the circumstances.

Any updates on what is going to happen with stage 20? That was going to be such an epic stage, so will be a shame to see it reduced to a shadow of its original self

Hey, looks like the TDF had a far better route this year after all

Hope that Cadel can hold onto a podium place. Congrats to the riding of Nibbles thus far; that guy definitely deserves to win a Giro.

 

[Ferminal]

Looks like Tonale is out then.

Bin the 130km or whatever is left I say. Drive straight to Silandro, wait for an opening, and go for it.

 

[Cimber]

Rumours say the stage is cancelled

Christopher Keiser‏@CKeiser1m
Just heard in organization hotel, stage cancelled. #Giro

 

[Ferminal]

Or just cancel the whole stage.

 

[jens_attacks]

this was expected i guess looking at the weather forecast
too bad

 

[rolfrae]

this was expected i guess looking at the weather forecast
too bad

Seems today's stage is officially cancelled. And I took a day off work to watch it too. Curse you Mother Nature!

 

[stetre76]

Sky just tweeted that Stage 19 is cancelled due to adverse weather....more soon to come

http://twitter.com/TeamSky/status/337835685321011200

 

[manafana]

a real pity but by sonds of it no choice any of planned climbs got hit with snow.

 

[jens_attacks]

well we got tour of belgium lol

tomorrow no stage either i guess.

 

[airstream]

Honestly, I'm happy with that. I wouldn't want to watch Galibier-2 and Galibier-3. Vincenzo Nibali is overly deserved winner. Evans is a sensational podium finisher. Uran got his best career perfomance too. Everyone got what he objectively deserved.

 

[ljpoyz]

ORICA-GreenEDGE ‏@Orica_GreenEDGE 3m

#Giro stage 19 has been cancelled because of snow. Still on tap today: #bayernrundfahrt (where @darylimpey leads) and #boelsrentalclassic.

 

[Miburo]

Honestly, I'm happy with that. I wouldn't want to watch Galibier-2 and Galibier-3. Vincenzo Nibali is overly deserved winner. Evans is a sensational podium finisher. Uran got his best career perfomance too. Everyone got what he objectively deserved.

Well I can actually see evans losing a lot of time in the next 2 days but ok whatever.

This giro must be the most disappointing one in years. Even worse than last year.

 

[airstream]

Well I can actually see evans losing a lot of time in the next 2 days but ok whatever.

This giro must be the most disappointing one in years. Even worse than last year.

The 2012 Giro now seems to be a paradise compared to this one.

 

[goggalor]

They should transfer to Lombardy and put on a hilly stage tomorrow. Those are more fun anyway.

 

[Miburo]

The 2012 Giro now seems to be a paradise compared to this one.

Giro keeps going downhill each year since the amazing giro 2010

 

[Netserk]

Cav must be really happy...

Giro '13 > Giro '12 btw.

 

[Ryongsyong]

Next time it's snowing round here I'll just tell my boss that I'm not coming in because if the pros can't do it then I definitely can't! Far too cold. Let's see what he says.

Skiers must be looking at this current crop of lycra lovers and shaking their heads. If you're cold put on some more layers guys ...

 

[airstream]

Giro 13 is the worst GT within my 10 year recollection