Giro d'Italia problems cost race director Angelo Zomegnan his job, reports Italian press

Angelo Zomegnan, race director of the Giro d’Italia, has organised the Corsa Rosa for the last time according to reports in Italy, following a meeting between his bosses at RCS Media Group and RCS Sport.

The Italian website Tuttobiciweb reports that Zomegnan, aged 56, had been involved in differences of opinion with his superiors during this year’s race, a reflection what is said to be his sometimes confrontational personality.

The 94th edition of the Giro was of course overshadowed by the death of Wouter Weylandt and concerns over rider safety that eventually led to the planned climb and descent of Monte Crostis been excluded the day before it was due to be ridden.

That stage also needed to be shortened while it was actually under way due to fan protests over the last-minute change to the route.

It is thought that Zomegnan, who before taking on his current role had spent a quarter of a century working as a journalist at La Gazzetta dello Sport, also owned by RCS Media Group, will take on a role in the organisation of the 2013 UCI Road World Championships which are being held in Tuscany.

While few would disagree that the Giro has become more exciting under Zomegnan’s tutelage, with the 2010 edition hailed as one of the most gripping Grand Tours in recent memory, concerns were voiced that this year’s edition, which sought to celebrate 150 years of Italian unity, was too difficult.

Only the eventual winner Alberto Contador proved equal to the challenge of a succession of tough mountaintop finishes, while the desire to visit as many parts of the Italian peninsula as possible meant that riders at times faced some long transfers between stages with no rest day to allow them to recuperate.

Tuttobiciweb adds that Zomegnan’s departure is expected to be made official following his return from holiday. In the frame to succeed him are said to be 1996 Olympic Madison gold medallist Silvio Martinello, currently working as a TV pundit for state broadcaster RAI, and author and long-time Gazzetta dello Sport cycling journalist Pier Bergonzi.