"The first stage of the 51st Volta ao Algarve has been cancelled" - Race organisers react strongly to farcical finish
CyclingWednesday, 19 February 2025 at 18:49
In a complete and utter mess, the opening stage of the 2025 Volta ao Algarve descended into chaos in the finishing straight, with only a handful of riders actually crossing the line, whilst the rest of the peloton rode helplessly down the other side of the barriers.
Filippo Ganna crossed the line first, but it seems the victory may not go down as the 34th of his professional career. "The first stage of the 51st Volta ao Algarve has been cancelled," the race organisation has since posted on its official X (Twitter) account. "More information soon."
This decision has not gone down well with everyone. Familiar face on cycling Twitter Benji Naesen reacted fiercely to the races announcement in the replies. "Disgusting decision," the Belgian fumed.
As this is obviously a developing story, we'll do our best to keep you up to date if and when more news on the situation arrives!
Read also
⚠️ A primeira etapa da 51.ª Volta ao Algarve foi anulada.
— Volta ao Algarve (@VoltAlgarve) February 19, 2025
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What’s that guy doing with his bike in the pic?
Carrying it over the barriers from the wrong side so he could actually cross the finish line. Most riders who took a wrong turn did that to ensure they finished and got a time
Thanks, looked a bit suspicious without context.
Hey Mr Naesen, what should they do, a rerun? No-one was going to gain any advantage here, let Ganna keep his prize and title but omitting this stage from the tour is fine.
Result should be: Ganna wins and gets UCI points, bonus seconds, etc. for the stage win along with the others who finished going the correct way. Keep the rest of the peloton on the same time with the 3km rule.
So basically you’re repeating the first post?