Pro cyclists in the snow (gallery)

We take a look back at some snowy bike racing scenes. Photos by Graham Watson

The peloton races through a snowstorm in the 2013 Milan San Remo
Photo: Graham Watson
(Image credit: Watson)

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With large chunks of the northern hemisphere currently experiencing heavy snowfall, we thought we'd take a pictorial look back at some of the snowy moments endured by the peloton.

Early-season races are often blighted by bad weather, particularly when they hit higher altitudes. Snow and ice can linger on in the mountains right into the start of summer - and can sometimes shape a race.

Occasionally, snowfall will lead to a race being cancelled or re-routed, but sometimes the riders just have to dress up against the elements and get on with it. A rider than can endure freezing conditions and stay upright can prevail.

And there's no denying that snowy scenery can make for a stunning backdrop for photos.

Bad weather hinders a stage of the 1992 Paris-Nice

Bad weather hinders a stage of the 1992 Paris-Nice, the so-called 'race to the sun'
(Image credit: Watson)

Of course, snow needn't be a hindrance: for some cyclo-cross races it's par for the course, like this night-time event in Diegem

Of course, snow needn't be a hindrance: for some cyclo-cross races it's par for the course, like this night-time event in Diegem
(Image credit: Watson)

Snow affected the opening stage of the 2011 Tour of California

Snow led to the opening stage of the 2011 Tour of California being cancelled
(Image credit: Watson)

Cyclists in the 1995 Dauphine-Libere

Cyclists in the 1995 Dauphine-Libere
(Image credit: Watson)

An Euskatel cyclist in Milan San Remo

Most of us wouldn't have stepped out of the door on a morning like this. A Euskaltel riders mingles with the team cars during 2013 Milan-San Remo
(Image credit: Watson)

Snow didn't stop them in 1963!

We delve into the Cycling Weekly archives to look at the 1963 cyclo-cross championships

The peloton races through a snowstorm in the 2013 Milan San Remo

The peloton races through a snowstorm in the 2013 Milan San Remo
(Image credit: Watson)

A crash in Milan San Remo

Inevitably, icy conditions and cold hands struggling to grab brakes end up in a crash - as it did during Milan San Remo in 2013
(Image credit: Watson)

The peloton on stage fifteen at the 2013 Giro d'Italia

The peloton on stage fifteen at the 2013 Giro d'Italia
(Image credit: Watson)

Scott Mitchell on stage fifteen at the 2013 Giro d'Italia

It's not just riders that have to get out in the cold: Sky photographer Scott Mitchell on stage 15 of the 2013 Giro d'Italia
(Image credit: Watson)

Vincenzo Nibali on stage twenty at the 2013 Giro d'Italia

Vincenzo Nibali gets a helping hand from some lads who obviously don't feel the cold on stage 20 of the 2013 Giro d'Italia
(Image credit: Watson)

A snowman on stage twenty at the 2013 Giro d'Italia

A snowman supporter on stage 20 at the 2013 Giro d'Italia
(Image credit: Watson)

The peloton climbs the Passo Stelvio on stage sixteen of the 2014 Giro d'Italia

The peloton climbs the Passo Stelvio on stage 16 of the 2014 Giro d'Italia
(Image credit: Watson)

Svein Tuft stops to put on warm clothing on stage sixteen of the 2014 Giro d'Italia

Svein Tuft stops to put on warm clothing on stage 16 of the 2014 Giro d'Italia
(Image credit: Watson)

A cyclist stops to get warm on stage sixteen of the 2014 Giro d'Italia

A Lampre-Merida rider stops to get warm on stage 16 of the 2014 Giro d'Italia
(Image credit: Watson)

Tour de Romandie

Dario Frigo leads Andrea Noe during a snowy stage of the 2002 Tour de Romandie
(Image credit: Watson)
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