Pro-Palestinian demonstrators disrupted Wednesday's eleventh stage of the Vuelta a Espana, compelling race organisers to halt the competition before riders reached the finish in Bilbao.
Officials announced they would record times at the three-kilometre mark rather than allow cyclists to complete the full 157.4-kilometre route.
The decision meant no stage victor would be declared, with organisers confirming that whilst points for mountain classification and intermediate sprints would stand, finish line points would not be awarded.
Police were deployed to manage demonstrators who had gathered near the conclusion point, many displaying Palestinian flags and protest banners.
Wednesday's eleventh stage of the Vuelta a Espana came to a halt as a result of the protests
|REUTERS
The disruption represents an escalation in protests targeting the race, particularly focusing on the participation of Israel-Premier Tech team.
British cyclist Tom Pidcock found himself denied a potential stage triumph after mounting an impressive breakaway that saw him distance the entire field, including race leader Jonas Vingegaard.
The 26-year-old had secured six bonus seconds atop the final climb and was positioning himself for a two-man sprint against the Danish rider.
"It's hard to describe the disappointment honestly," Pidcock told reporters afterwards. "I felt like today was my day. I felt we should have crossed the finish line. We're not riding a f***ing sportive."
"I'm not saying I would have won, but I had a good chance to win. But I won't waste any energy on it, there's a long way to go," he stated.
The protests follow Tuesday's tenth stage incident where Intermarche-Wanty rider Simone Petilli crashed after demonstrators entered the roadway as cyclists passed through to Belagua. The 32-year-old Italian subsequently expressed concerns about rider safety.
JUST IN: Novak Djokovic explains clashing with US Open crowd after beating Taylor Fritz to reach semi-finals
"If it will continue like this our safety is not guaranteed anymore, and we feel in danger! We just want to race! Please," Petilli stated, emphasising that competitors were "just cyclists doing our job."
Wednesday's stage faced immediate disruption when police had to clear protesters from the route before riders had even exited the neutral zone.
Demonstrators carrying Palestinian flags and banners blocked the road, though the race resumed after a brief delay with no injuries reported.
A pre-stage summit convened Wednesday morning brought together approximately twenty riders, race organisers and UCI representatives to address mounting safety concerns.
Demonstrators carrying Palestinian flags and banners blocked the road
|REUTERS
According to journalist Daniel Friebe covering the race for ITV and The Cycling Podcast, multiple teams expressed preferences for Israel-Premier Tech's withdrawal from the competition, citing heightened security risks.
The Basque region's substantial pro-Palestine movement has intensified focus on the Israeli-sponsored team.
Friebe reported a "strong feeling among riders this morning that they want UCI to intervene," noting competitors felt vulnerable regarding an issue beyond their expertise or willingness to declare personal positions.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
British cyclist Tom Pidcock had been on course to take home the victory before the protests
|REUTERS
Additional reports suggested Israel-Premier Tech riders faced verbal abuse within the peloton and on group communications regarding their perceived political stances.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to proceed racing, though participants understood that dangerous protests might necessitate reconsidering their participation.
Despite the shortened stage, Pidcock's performance significantly improved his overall standing, reducing his deficit to Vingegaard to 56 seconds through bonus points earned on the final ascent.
The British rider admitted he remained unaware of the exact three-kilometre marker whilst still rotating with the race leader on the descent.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Demonstrators with flags forced the race to call an early halt
|REUTERS
TNT analyst Adam Blythe praised the achievement as "huge" for Pidcock's grand tour credentials. "Pidcock is unproven in grand tours, but that performance today was huge. The people he's put away today… mentally that's huge for him and for us Brits," Blythe commented.
Pidcock acknowledged organisers' difficult position but expressed hope that Wednesday represented the peak of protest activity.
"From what I've been told, today was meant to be the biggest day of protests so hopefully it is calmer going forward," he said.