Stage 19 of Giro D'Italia Cancelled Due to Heavy Snow

Stage 19 of the famed Giro D'Italia was slated to be one of the most exciting routes of the entire race, but cycling fans unfortunately won't have a chance to witness it.

According to BBC Sport, the stage has been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions including heavy snow.

The stage was scheduled to take place in Italy's Dolomite Mountains as it would have taken riders from Ponte di Legno to a Val Martello ski resort, according to BBC Sport. The poor weather will also force officials to make some changes to the 20th stage on Saturday as three climbs through the Dolomites will be omitted.

In addition to the snow, BBC Sport is reporting that the windchill was expected to dip to temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit. In an effort to ensure a safe environment for the cyclists and those who work the event, it was in the officials' best interest to cancel the stage.

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Race director Michele Acquarone told BBC Sport: It was a tough decision on a big stage on a great finish in a great Giro. It was very hard to say no. But at 09:30 we contacted every mountain pass on the stage and they said 'no, it can't be done for the safety of the riders and the hundreds of workers'. It was better to say no.

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While the cancellation of the 19th stage takes something away from the race, it likely won't affect the ultimate result. Italy's Vincenzo Nibali holds a lead of four minutes and two seconds over Cadel Evans, so something disastrous would have to happen in order for him to relinquish the lead.

According to BBC Sport, this is the first Giro D'Italia stage to be cancelled on account of poor weather since way back in 1989. Stage 18 was cancelled in 2001, but that stemmed from a cyclist protest as their hotels were raided as officials searched for drugs.

The final two stages are scheduled to take place on Saturday and Sunday, although it remains to be seen what decisions will be made if conditions ultimately worsen.

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