Tom Pidcock (Q36.5) spoke out against the multiple pro-Palestine protests on stage 11 of the Vuelta a España in Bilbao, stating that “putting us in danger is not the way forward”, after he was denied the chance to fight for the stage victory as the race was neutralised 3km from the finish.
Despite racing coming to an end before reaching the finish line, and riders all being directed straight to the buses, Pidcock himself still rode to the Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro, which was lined with Palestine flags and protestors.
“It’s not easy. I think the Vuelta did what they could for us, the organisation, to keep us safe. I think, you know… I don’t want to say anything political; I’m going to get in trouble,” was his original stance, but he then decided to weigh in as the questions about the protestors kept coming.
Riders have held back from talking about it, but after protests have occured at the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and now Vuelta a España, with Israel-Premier Tech – whose continued participation is the target of the protests and were partially blocked by protesters during the stage 5 time trial in Figeures – racing on, Pidcock had his say.
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