The Vuelta a España 2025 continues to be overshadowed by pro-Palestinian protests. On Tuesday, the race organisers were forced to shorten the 16th stage by eight kilometres after demonstrators blocked the originally planned finish area in Castro de Herville. The times and the stage winner were therefore determined at an improvised finish. The Colombian Egan Bernal (INEOS Grenadiers) secured victory ahead of Mikel Landa and Brieuc Rolland. However, it was not entirely clear to either of them where the race would end: a small finish line on the road just before a large bend caused confusion. Even the commentator on Eurosport did not initially recognise where the race ended.
Colombian Egan Bernal (INEOS Grenadiers) came out on top in the sprint of a breakaway group to celebrate his first Grand Tour stage win since 2021, followed by Spaniard Mikel Landa and Frenchman Brieuc Rolland. German professional cyclist Nico Denz (Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe) finished in fourth place, 1:02 minutes behind, after being one of the most active riders in the breakaway group and winning both a mountain and a sprint classification.
Jens Voigt criticises protest actions at the Vuelta
Eurosport expert Jens Voigt reacted with clear criticism to the renewed disruption of the race. "I think something needs to be changed in principle. This can't be the second time this has happened," emphasised the former professional cyclist during the live broadcast. "The teams plan their day, their tactics - we're talking about a budget of millions of dollars that the teams have - they bring millions of euros worth of rider equipment to the start. And then so often the stage is simply brought forward and gaps are created or not created that would otherwise have been created if this stage had been completed." The 53-year-old former pro called for a more decisive approach from the organisers and authorities: "Perhaps more police presence. Maybe more communication with the people and say: 'Guys, don't push the limit too far. Stop doing that. Nobody understands you anymore if it goes so far that it distorts the whole race,'" said Voigt on Eurosport.
Increased security for the 17th stage
In view of the ongoing protests, the Spanish Guardia Civil has announced a comprehensive security concept for the upcoming 17th stage on Wednesday. A total of 188 officers will be deployed for the section of the route in the province of León, which runs from El Barco de Valdeorras to Ponferrada. The Unidad de Movilidad y Seguridad Vial (UMSV) of the Guardia Civil will provide security on the route with 132 officers, 59 motorbikes, 28 off-road vehicles and a helicopter. In addition, 20 officers and 10 vehicles from the local Guardia Civil as well as 36 officers and 30 vehicles from the traffic police will reinforce the contingent. "We take the safety of everyone involved very seriously and have taken appropriate measures to ensure that the stage runs smoothly," said a spokesperson for the Guardia Civil, according to the daily newspaper Diario de Leon. The authorities are thus reacting to the increasing protests, which are mainly directed against the Israel - Premier Tech team.
Growing concern about further stages of the Vuelta
With a view to the remaining Stages there is growing concern about possible further disruptions. In particular, the traditional finale in Madrid next Sunday could become a target for major demonstrations. The individual time trial in Valladolid on Thursday is also considered to be at risk. It covers 27 kilometres, which are difficult to secure. The biggest concern is that a demonstrator will jump onto the road and cause a fall. According to Spanish media reports, 450 uniformed officers (300 national police and 150 from the Guardia Civil) will be deployed in Valladolid to prevent disturbances. In addition, all 200 municipal police officers of Valladolid and 100 volunteers are on duty. Nevertheless, there are concerns that hidden saboteurs could create dangerous situations along the route.
Update on 11.9
The organisers have shortened the time trial due to safety concerns. The official announcement: "With the aim of better protecting the stage, the organisers of the Vuelta, in agreement with the Valladolid city council and after consultation with the college of commissioners, have decided that tomorrow's time trial will be held over a 12.2 kilometre course, with the start and finish remaining as originally planned".
Kristian Bauer
Editor
