La Vuelta denounces that it cannot tolerate "actions that endanger physical well-being"

The organizers of La Vuelta have stressed that they cannot "tolerate events that endanger the physical well-being of the participants" or "any member of the caravan", referring to the protests of hundreds of people in Bilbaoagainst the Israel-Premier Tech group.

"The safety and physical integrity of cyclists are the main priorities of the organizers. In view of the events of the stage, this decision was made withthe aim of protecting all cyclists, "the organization said in reference to the decision to finish stage 11 three kilometres from the finish line.

It adds in its official note that "it respects and defends the right to demonstrate peacefully within the framework of the act, but cannot accept acts that endanger the physical integrity of the participants or any member of the caravan".

"All members of the organization shall continue to work, in close coordination with the State and territorial authorities and the security forces and bodies, to ensure the safety and proper development of the career," he states in the same text.

"Finally, the organization wishes to thank the fans for their support for the constant encouragement of cyclists in a territory with a large number of cyclists, even though they have not been able to enjoy the entire competition," he said in the press release.

Reaction of the International Cyclist Association

The International Cyclist Union (UCI) has praised the "political neutralityof the sports organizations present in the Olympic Movement "to address the pro-Palestinian protests that took place during the Return to Spain and have led to the neutralization of the eleventh stage.

"The UCI wishes to recall the essential importance of the political neutrality of the sports organizations of the Olympic Movement, as well as the unifying and peacemaking role of sport," the UCI communiqué states.

According to the organization, "major international sporting events embody a spirit of unity and dialogue, beyond differences and divisions."

In this regard, the UCI reaffirms its "commitment to political neutrality, independence and autonomyof sport "in accordance with the founding principles of the Olympic Movement.

UCI has also recalled that sport, and cycling in particular, "has a vocation to approach and overcome obstacles between peoples" and should not be used as a punitive instrument under any circumstances.