There was uncertainty about the start of the race. The organisation considered shortening the stage due to the harsh weather conditions. The peloton eventually braved the rain, wind and cold for the entire 196 kilometres from Scandiano to Viareggio.

With more than three thousand metres of climbing, the early stages were undoubtedly challenging. Along the way, some in the peloton slipped and slid due to the slippery road surface. Roglic was well-protected by his teammates, who kept the Slovenian out of the tumult. An early three-man break made it to the finish line, with Dane Cort Nielsen the fastest in the sprint.

"We have been lucky so far in this Giro", said Koen Bouwman, referring to the flu epidemic in the peloton. "Our whole team is doing well. Yesterday, on the rest day, we could recharge our batteries for the rest of the Giro. We obviously don't want to start in the rain again today, but everyone has to deal with these conditions. We are doing everything we can to stay healthy and in shape. There is still a lot to come in this race. I think it will be a nice and exciting battle. Our goal is still to be in Rome with the pink jersey."

Sports director Arthur van Dongen was very clear after the stage. "It was a hectic stage again. The race was very confusing because of all the crashes. The riders didn't have it easy in these difficult conditions. It certainly took its toll. It affected everyone. We can only be happy with our team's performance today. The men held up well. Primoz was well protected all day. That was the main objective", Van Dongen said.