(Reuters) - The 16th stage of the Giro d'Italia was delayed by extreme weather conditions on Tuesday with freezing rain and snow causing chaos before the expected start in Livigno.
The stage was initially set to climb to almost 2,500 metres - the highest point of this year's race - but deteriorating conditions in the mountains prompted riders to vote on skipping the Umbrail Pass which features a treacherous descent.
Confusion reined in Livigno with a stand-off between riders and organisers before eventually they were taken to a new start point with the race being shortened to 121km from Lasa/Laas.
"The Extreme Weather Protocol Commission met yesterday to decide on the conditions for today's stage," organisers RCS said in a statement.
"A few minutes before the start, the weather conditions deteriorated further and so the Commission decided to fall back on Option 3 -- In the event of extreme weather conditions, the stage will be neutralized up to a place where the safety conditions are met.
"On today's meeting, an agreement was reached on moving the race from Livigno with a town parade. Despite an handshake between the parties, the athletes did not show up at the start in Livigno."
Organisers had hoped that the stage would start as normal in Livigno with an 18km stretch until the Munt la Schera Tunnel.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
