Giro d'Italia's best descender prize causes controversy

New competition to award prizes to the fastest descenders in the 2017 Giro d'Italia attracts criticism from riders

Esteban Chaves descends during the 2016 Giro d'Italia.

(Image credit: Yuzuru Sunada)

Controversy has surrounded the decision by Giro d'Italia race organiser RCS Sport to introduce a competition for the best descender in this year's race.

The 'Pirelli Premio Miglior Discesista' consists of a cash prize of €500 awarded to the quickest rider on 10 timed downhill segments of the 100th edition of the Giro.

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Nigel Wynn
Former Associate Editor

Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.