The peloton would have been lining up two by two and looking for Noah if the rain on the first ‘real’ stage of the Giro D’Italia.

Heavy rain on previously dry roads turned the roads into skating rinks, with multiple crashes resulting all through the stage. Pre race favourite Casagrande was the most significant casualty, falling and fracturing his wrist 20km from the finish.

Current race leader and prologue time trial victor Rik Verbrugghe rode a tactical stage, making sure Olano or Dario Frigo didn’t take any time bonuses that would give them the leaders pink jersey, while the chaotic stage sprint victory went to Liquigas rider Ellis Rastelli.

He told Cyclingnews.com “It is a complete surprise to win a stage. I have to ride for the two Liquigas team leaders Sergei Honchar and Davide Rebellin. In the sprint I was watching Gabriele Colombo. Then when Duma came past I followed him and went past (him) just before the line. This is the biggest win of my career.” He added, “I was lucky to stand up and to be in front. It was difficult to keep balance even pedalling at 10 kilometres per hour.”

More news on today’s stage here later.