It was Piepoli's second stage win on the Giro in four days

Wednesday's stage had to be shortened because of the adverse weather conditions, with organisers shaving 13km off the race distance.

Despite the weather, the Saunier Duval rider comfortably rode to his second mountain-stage win in four days.

His countryman Ivan Basso, who sealed Tuesday's stage, extended his lead in the overall standings with second.

Basso now heads Spaniard Jose Enrique Gutierrez by almost six minutes.

"I think organisers made the best choice, in the interest of the cyclists," said Basso after the shortened stage.

"It was very cold today and weather was a big problem for everybody. Piepoli confirmed to be a great climber, difficult to beat at uphill finishes."

Stage winner Piepoli, meanwhile, described the weather as "appalling".

But he added: "I don't like cold and this year I have clinched two of my most prestigious career victories in bad weather."

Results from stage 17:
1. Leonardo Piepoli (Italy /Saunier Duval) 3:21:26"
2. Ivan Basso (Italy /Team CSC) same time
3. Jose Enrique Gutierrez (Spain/Phonak) +15"
4. Franco Pellizotti (Italy/Liquigas) +19"
5. Julio Perez Cuapio (Mexico/Panaria) +28"
6. John Gadret (France/AG2R) +37"
7. Damiano Cunego (Italy/Lampre) +41"
8. Gilberto Simoni (Italy/Saunier Duval) +48"
9. Sergio Ghisalberti (Italy/Milram) +58"
10. Giampaolo Caruso (Italy/Liberty Seguros) +58"