Pro-Palestinian Protesters Force Shortening of Vuelta a España 11th Stage

The 11th stage of the prestigious Vuelta a España cycling race was dramatically shortened on Wednesday due to a large pro-Palestinian protest at the finish line

Organizers announced the decision to take the official finishing time at three kilometers before the planned end, citing safety concerns after demonstrators attempted to disrupt the race by pushing barriers onto the course.

Cycling’s third most-important Grand Tour has faced daily protests this year, with demonstrators focusing their attention on the Israel-Premier Tech team amid ongoing tensions related to the conflict in the Middle East. Earlier incidents included protesters rushing onto the road, causing Italian rider Simone Petilli to crash. Petilli expressed his frustration on social media, saying, “We are just cyclists doing our job. If this continues, our safety is no longer guaranteed. We just want to race!”

The protests come against the backdrop of the recent conflict that began in October 2023, when Israel launched an offensive in response to an attack by Hamas militants. The violence has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, fueling passionate demonstrations worldwide.

Wednesday’s stage ended without a winner, with defending leader Jonas Vingegaard maintaining his position at the top of the general classification. “It’s a big shame the race was neutralized. Personally, I would have liked to win this stage,” said the two-time Tour de France champion. British rider Tom Pidcock, who made a break on the final climb, shared his disappointment: “I felt like today was my day. The Vuelta did what they could to keep us safe, but it’s hard to describe the disappointment.”

Race organizers remain committed to ensuring the safety of all participants while balancing the challenges posed by ongoing protests. The Vuelta continues to be a symbol of sporting excellence amid a turbulent global climate.