Protests and Safety Concerns Continue to Impact the Race

Giulio Pellizzari of Italy secured a thrilling victory in stage 17 of the Vuelta a España, outpacing a talented field on the grueling summit finish of the Alto de El Morredero. The 21-year-old cyclist from the Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe team demonstrated exceptional skill and endurance, launching a decisive attack 3.5 kilometers from the finish line to claim the top spot on the podium. Britain’s Tom Pidcock, riding for Q36.5 Pro Cycling, finished a mere 16 seconds behind Pellizzari, while the Italian’s teammate Jai Hindley took third place, just two seconds adrift of Pidcock.

Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark maintained his overall lead in the general classification, extending his advantage over his closest rival, Joao Almeida, by a significant 50 seconds. Vingegaard’s performance in the stage was not without challenge, as he finished fourth, just two seconds ahead of Joao Almeida, who is now trailing the Dane by a substantial margin.

The stage was marked by a contentious decision among riders to neutralize the race in the event of further disruptions, a move prompted by ongoing safety concerns linked to pro-Palestine protests that have affected multiple stages this year. These incidents have included a crash on stage 15, caused by a spectator holding a Palestine flag, and the disruption of the team time trial on stage five. The protests have also led to the shortening of several stages, including stage 11, which was abandoned without a winner.

In an interview with news agency Reuters, Pascal Chanteur, vice president of the riders’ union, emphasized that the athletes are prepared to withdraw from the race entirely if further incidents occur. “The riders voted by a majority to stop in case of a new problem. They will then decide whether to continue or to end the event,” said Chanteur.

Riders like Jack Haig from Bahrain Victorious expressed frustration over being caught in the crossfire of a larger political issue that does not directly involve them. “Unfortunately, we’re being caught in the middle of something that maybe doesn’t even really involve us,” Haig said. “At the moment, we are kind of just the pawns in a very large chess game that unfortunately is affecting us.”

In response to the ongoing safety concerns, the Vuelta organizers have taken steps to mitigate the risks. The individual time trial in Valladolid for the upcoming 18th stage has been shortened from 27.2 kilometers to 12.2 kilometers, with the same start and finish as originally planned. This decision aims to provide “greater protection” for the stage and its participants.

The Vuelta a España is set to conclude in Madrid on Sunday, with the overall winner to be crowned after 21 stages. The competition remains fiercely contested, with several riders still in contention for the top spot.