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IN BRIEF : Italy 16th Cycling Stage Frozen Out

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<i> From Times wire services </i>

Snow and below-freezing temperatures forced cancellation today of the much-feared 16th stage of the Italian cycling tour, a 93.1-mile ride through four mountain passes.

Organizers reported that snowstorms and cold made it impossible to negotiate the 7,900-foot high Gavia Pass, the highest point on the tour. A landslide in the Valtellina valley prevented organizers from starting the stage on an alternative course.

Organizers were criticized last year for permitting the riders to complete the stage on Gavia despite very bad weather.

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Organizers indicated the tour will resume Tuesday, according to the original schedule. Tuesday’s course is a hilly one ending at Meda, near Milan.

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