Černý's victory came after the 258-kilometre stage from Morbegno, the longest of the Giro d'Italia, was shortened to 124km.

At the start of the day, a number of cyclists had voiced their concern at tackling the stage in poor weather conditions. 

The race began but stopped after 8km, with participants staging a protest by getting onto their team buses.

Competition was then relocated to Abbiategrasso, resulting in a shorter stage in better conditions. 

"Reducing today's stage will not diminish the show, but will allow the immune defenses of the riders not to be put at greater risk", said the Association of Professional Cyclists.

Czech cyclist Černý, of CCC Team, finished the stage in 2 hours 30min 40sec. 

Having launched a solo attack, he successfully held off a late chase from Victor Campenaerts of Belgium, with Jacopo Mosca of Italy crossing the line in third place. 

"It was very nice because we had the last three days really heavy and it was a hard day, especially with the rain," Černý said.

"I'm really happy I was lucky in the breakaway. 

"We were working together. 

"In the final, it was just who had the better legs. 

"I'm really happy."

Dutch rider Wilco Kelderman retained his overall lead of the race, with Jai Hindley of Australia still 12 seconds off the pace.

Tao Geoghegan Hart is 15 seconds behind Kelderman in third.

The race is due to continue tomorrow with the 20th and penultimate stage, a 190km route from Alba to Sestriere.