The Vuelta just can’t catch a break, can it?
It’s been a disastrous few weeks on the road for the Spanish grand tour, as a series of pro-Palestine protests, targeting Israel-Premier Tech’s ongoing involvement in cycling, have left the race in chaos and teetering on the edge of collapse.
During stage five’s team time trial, the Vuelta’s first day back in Spain after starting in Italy, protesters stood on the road as the Israel-Premier Tech squad approached, forcing several riders to stop.
In Bilbao, a rowdy demonstration at the finish line of stage 11 forced the organisers to stop the race with 3km to go, with no winner awarded, while similarly chaotic scenes on stage 16’s final climb in Galicia led to another abrupt early ending (though this time, at least, Egan Bernal was able to claim the victory).
Following this series of protests, the riders held a vote yesterday morning, telling the organisers they will stop racing – and potentially quit the Vuelta altogether – if the demonstrations continue to disrupt the racing and potentially impact their safety.
[Zac Williams/SWpix.com]
And last night, piling on the misery for an event mired in controversy, the Vuelta’s organisers announced that this afternoon’s potentially race-deciding time trial in Valladolid will be shortened considerably, due to safety concerns about expected protests in the city.
According to a report in L’Équipe, additional security measures were already being put in place for the time trial – where red jersey Jonas Vingegaard will be aiming to defend his 50-second lead over João Almeida – with 300 uniformed and plain clothes police officers, and 150 security guards, set to be deployed.
However, that extra security still doesn’t seem to be enough to ensure the TT goes ahead safely. Last night, the Vuelta confirmed that today’s race against the clock will be cut to just 12.2km – a full 15km shorter than the originally scheduled 27.2km route.
“With the aim of ensuring greater protection for the stage, the organisers of La Vuelta, in coordination with Valladolid City Council and following consultation with the College of Commissaires, have decided that tomorrow’s time trial will be contested over a 12.2-kilometre route with the start and finish remaining as originally planned,” the organisers said in a statement.
And, with today’s time trial in Valladolid expected to play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the red jersey, it’s fair to say fans aren’t happy with the latest disruption to a Vuelta that descended into chaos, and became little to do with actual bike racing, long ago.
“Just cancel the race. Without the mountain finishes or a real TT, this is no longer a grand tour,” said Peter Lewin on social media.
“Please, finish this race,” agreed Arthur. “It is the worst grand tour of all time, courtesy of the UCI and their failure to [make] IPT to leave the race.”
Meanwhile, Jens was one of many to point out that the shorter 12km distance will skew the GC battle, writing: “So now it has absolutely no influence on the GC. La Vuelta is kind of done.”
“It’s not even a club 10 – it’s a farce in a grand tour,” said RM, while Tom Michalak added: “I’m over watching a race with no actual finishes.”
And one disgruntled Spanish fan said: “What a mess of a Vuelta… what an image for the world. Light years away from the Tour and Giro.”
“Whether you agree with IPT’s continued participation or not, it’s clear this Vuelta is more farce than Grand Tour,” added cycling writer Peter Cossins.
And GCN presenter Dan Lloyd said: “I really feel for the Vuelta organisation. At this point, I’ve lost almost all interest in the race, and I’m sure many others feel the same, but it’s not their fault at all.”
But hey, look on the bright side – at least Tom Pidcock has an even better chance of holding on to his podium spot now. Right?