Yesterday, the organizer announced that stage 19, the longest in the Giro d'Italia, would be extended by five kilometers due to a bridge that collapsed.
The stage, which is usually 253 kilometers long, would thus be a total of 258 kilometers.
But the cyclists did not agree.
At the start today, the cyclists protested against the extended stretch due to the tough 18th stage, as well as long transports and movements with cars and buses up and down the mountains.
It ended with the start being moved forward 134 kilometers to Abbiategrasso.
Competition leader Mauro Vegni is critical of how the situation was resolved.
- I'm very upset.
There may be calls to lawyers after this, because this was disrespectful to the race and to the people who wanted to watch, he says according to cyclingnews.com and adds:
- I think that cyclists' behavior will have consequences.
Czech Josef Cherny won the stage, which after the advanced start was 124 kilometers long.
Dutchman Wilco Kelderman, however, retains the pink leader jersey.
On Sunday, the Giro d'Italia finishes in Millano.