Passo Gavia still under Heavy snow ahead of Stage 16 of the Giro d'Italia

23cm of snow is expected over the next week before the Queen Stage which will hamper efforts to clear the roads including the 2,618m Passo Gavia and the Stelvio

If the road not be cleared in time, the race could instead tackle the Mortirolo climb twice.

“For the moment, we’re living day by day because it’s not just the Gavia – there’s a race every day,” race director Mauro Vegni said. “We’re waiting for the forecast because there might be an improvement in the next week, so we’ll see. And, clearly, if we can’t do the Gavia, there are already some other possibilities in mind."

“You can’t take a risk at this time of year in May of going above 2,700 metres and not having any alternative. You always have to have the possibility of a reserve route.”

2019 Giro d'Italia Stage 16, Tuesday May 28 2019 - Lovere to Ponte Di Lego - 226 km