Former winner Di Luca departed the race on Friday — when the 19th stage was cancelled due to heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures in the mountains — following a provisional suspension by the International Cycling Union (UCI).

Giro chief Michele Acquarone said: “If a rider who looks me in the eyes and says, ‘I’ve made a mistake’, then I believe him. But when he goes off and does the same thing again, to me, he seems addicted.”