Palestinian protesters disrupted the race and threatened the safety of the riders, especially the Israeli team.
There was no winner on stage 11 because race organizers ended Wednesday’s race three kilometers before the finish line because of the protesters.
“Due to some incidents at the finish line, we have decided to take the time at three kilometers before the line,” said the race director.
“We won’t have a stage winner. We will give the points for the mountain classification and the intermediate sprint, but not on the finish line.”
Pidcock and Vingegaard were going strong and were unable to enjoy any success. “It is hard to describe the disappointment to be honest. I felt like today was my day,” said Pidcock. Vingegaard said: “It’s my son’s birthday – he’s one year old today so I wanted to win for him.
The UCI said it “strongly condemns” the “actions that led to the cancellation of the 11th stage”.
“Major international sporting events embody a spirit of unity and dialogue, transcending differences and divisions,” said a statement from world cycling’s governing body.
“The UCI reaffirms its commitment to the political neutrality, independence, and autonomy of sport, in accordance with the founding principles of the Olympic movement.”
Prior to stage 11, riders had a safety meeting, where the Professional Cyclists’ Association called for better security at an event at which the Israel-Premier Tech team have been targeted.
On stage five, the Israel-Premier Tech team was held up by protestors holding pro-Palestinian flags and banners.
Italian rider Simone Petilli, who competes for the Intermarche-Wanty team, fell on stage 10 when protestors ran on to the road.
Yesterday Petilli wrote before the stage: “Please, we are just cyclists and we are doing our job, but if it will continue like this our safety is not guaranteed anymore, and we feel in danger! We just want to race.”
Following stage 11, Pidcock said: “Putting us in danger isn’t going to help your cause.”
Vuelta organizers said in a statement that the race “respects and defends the right to peaceful demonstration” but “cannot tolerate any acts that put at risk the physical safety of the participants or any member of the race caravan”.
“Israel-Premier Tech has repeatedly expressed its respect for everyone’s right to protest, as long as these protests remain peaceful and do not compromise the safety of the peloton.
“We thank the race organizers and the UCI for their continued support and co-operation, as well as the teams and riders that have expressed their support both publicly and privately and, of course, our fans.”
