Due to pro-Palestinian protesters who had marched to the finish line on stage 11 of the Vuelta a Espana, race organizers had to end the competition on Wednesday.
With about 20 kilometers to go, the announcement about the early finish on the stage in Bilbao was made.
The race director on Radio Vuelta stated that “we have decided to take the time three kilometers before the line” due to some events at the finish line.
There won’t be a stage winner, the statement said. We won’t compete at the finish line, but we will give the mountain classification and the intermediate sprint points.
When the performance came to an end, British performers Tom Pidcock and Jonas Vingegaard were in charge.
The UCI “strongly condemns” the “actions that resulted in the reversal of the 11th stage.”
The governing body of world cycling stated in a statement that “major international sporting events embody a spirit of unity and dialogue, transcending differences and divisions.”
In accordance with the Olympic movement’s founding principles, the UCI reiterates its commitment to political neutrality, independence, and autonomy.
On the final climb, Pidcock moved, and Vingegaard was the only rider who could accompany him.
“It’s difficult to honestly describe the disappointment.” Pidcock said, “It seemed like today was my day.”
Vingegaard declared, “I wanted to win for my son because he is one year old today.”
It’s a shame that we worked all day for it, and it’s obvious that we didn’t get the chance.
Riders had met for a safety meeting prior to stage 11, whereas the Professional Cyclists’ Association had demanded better security for a competition where the Israel-Premier Tech team had been targeted.
Protestors waving pro-Palestinian flags and banners held up the Israel-Premier Tech team on stage five.
Italian competitor Simone Petilli also fell on stage 10 as a result of a road-rage incident.
I get that’s not a good situation, but I crashed yesterday due to a road protest,” Petilli wrote on social media.
“We are just cyclists and we are doing our jobs, but if it keeps going like this, we feel in danger,” the cyclists are. We only want to compete.
Following stage 11, Pidcock said, “Putting us in danger won’t help your cause.”
The UCI added that it “always expresses its full support and solidarity with the teams and their staff, as well as the riders who “they said” must be able to exercise their profession and passion in the most conducive to safety and serenity.”
In response to the Hamas-led attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and the hostage taking of 251, Israel’s military launched a campaign in Gaza.
Since then, according to the health ministry of the territory, at least 63,633 people have died in Gaza.
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Source: BBC
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