Pro-Palestinian Protests Halt Vuelta a Espana Stage 11 Without Winner

Stage 11 of the Vuelta a España was prematurely halted three kilometers before the finish line in Bilbao due to significant disruptions caused by pro-Palestinian protesters, resulting in no stage winner being declared. Protesters, notably targeting the Israel Premier Tech team, blocked the race route with flags and banners, which led to arrests and injuries among police, and heightened security concerns. Despite the chaos, points for the mountain classification and intermediate sprints were awarded, but riders expressed disappointment over the inability to complete the stage, with leaders Jonas Vingegaard and Tom Pidcock impacted by the abrupt ending. The Professional Cyclists' Association has called for enhanced safety measures amid ongoing tensions, as riders stressed the importance of their security while supporting peaceful protests. Officials highlighted the complicated atmosphere due to the Israel-Hamas conflict fueling protests, and some suggested the Israeli team might reconsider participation for safety reasons. The incident reflects growing challenges in major cycling events where political conflicts intersect with sports.