“Should never endanger others” – Visma and Plugge release verdict on Vuelta protests

Stage 11 of the Vuelta a España ended in confusion and frustration after organisers were forced to neutralize the finish in Bilbao, after protests that had been building all week but reached boiling point on Wednesday. Large groups of pro-Palestine demonstrators blocked the closing straight, protesting against the participation of Israel - Premier Tech, whose sponsorship links to Israel have sparked anger during the race. Riders were stopped three kilometers from the line for safety reasons, wiping out the chance of a stage result. Now, some of the management staff and organisers are revealing their opinions on a situation that is rapidly getting out of hand.

“It is deeply regrettable that such a decision is necessary to guarantee the safety of the riders,” said Richard Plugge, CEO of Team Visma | Lease a Bike, in the aftermath. “Everyone has the right to protest, but it should never endanger others. As a team, we do our job by giving our utmost every day and fighting for victory. We expect the police and race organizers to do their job to ensure the safety of the riders and guarantee a fair race. We urge all spectators once again to do everything they can to keep our riders safe.”

The disruption followed a week of unrest along the Vuelta route. Protestors have staged road blockages and even placed themselves in front of the peloton, insisting that Israel-Premier Tech’s participation is unacceptable. Amnesty International and other organizations accuse Israel of genocide in Gaza, making the team’s presence a direct target.

But now, it has become dangerous for the riders. On stage 11, the number of demonstrators in Bilbao was so large that organisers feared the barriers could be breached, forcing the unprecedented decision to neutralize the finish.

Vuelta technical director Kiko García revealed he had spoken to Israel-Premier Tech’s management until the early hours of the morning. “I spoke with the team manager (of Israel) until the early hours last night to see if they themselves noticed the pressure was mounting. I won't say what their perspective is, but there's only one solution. We can't accept it, but temporarily, and with everyone's safety as a priority, there's only one solution: for the Israeli team to realize that being here isn't advancing everyone's safety.”

Riders and their representatives echoed concerns. Adam Hansen, president of the CPA, explained: “The discussion had nothing to do with whether those riders should go home. The peloton also realizes that the Israel-Premier Tech riders are not directly involved. They feel sorry for them, and it wouldn't set a good precedent to send them home. But again: this shouldn't be a decision for the riders.”

The CPA later released a firm statement. “We want to express our deep concern and condemn the actions that endangered riders during the Vuelta. It is unacceptable that organizations, whatever their motivation, jeopardize the safety and physical integrity of athletes. Cycling is a demanding sport that demands total dedication and superhuman effort from its riders. They face extreme physical challenges daily, and it is unacceptable that external threats exacerbate these difficulties. Our sport must remain free from any form of obstruction or violence.”