Tom Pidcock had hoped for stage 11 of the Vuelta a España would end with joy, with a potential stage win alongside time gained on general classification rivals.
Instead, the day ended with frustration, as the stage was neutralised due to pro-Palestine protests at the finish line. Q36.5 Pro Cycling’s Pidcock, alongside Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike), took time on others, including João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), but there was no stage win on offer.
“It’s hard to describe the disappointment to be honest,” Pidcock told reporters at the finish line. “I felt like today was my day. I feel like there should always be a finish line, we’re not riding a sportive are we.
“I knew the finish line was at 3km [to go] but I didn’t know where that was. I was too busy trying to rotate with Jonas. We passed through there, I realised there wasn’t going to be a winner… It’s not easy. I think the Vuelta did what they could to keep us safe. I don’t want to say anything political, I don’t want to get into trouble.”
“I think a lot of people have held back from talking about it publicly, but it’s a bit scary sometimes in the peloton,” Pidcock said. “I think as long as our safety comes first, then we can continue racing, that’s what we’re here to do. Bike racing has nothing to do with things that are happening elsewhere…
“Putting us in danger isn’t going to help your cause,” he continued. “It’s simply not going to help. They’ve got the right to protest about whatever they want, but putting us in danger is not the way forward.
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