Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 10:28 am
A major setback for the organization of Ruta del Sol. The opening stage from Almunecar to Kadiar was canceled due to protests by angry farmers. There is no decision yet on the rest of the round.
The Ruta del Sol organization cannot guarantee the safety of the race and its participants, so it was decided to cancel the opening stage. “We just heard this from the organization,” said Gianni Vermeersch from southern Spain. There is no definite answer yet regarding further follow-up. “This is still under discussion.”
“There will be a blockade after forty kilometers of the race, and the police have been ordered to operate elsewhere,” adds Dirk Demol, present as Lotto Dstny team leader. “There were also no alternative routes. We are now trying to schedule training, but we also do not know where we can pass.
On the first day, the organization planned a 162.3 km trek between Almuñécar and Cadiar, with Alto de Itrapu (3.7 km (9.2%)), Alto de Lanjaron (14.9 km (3.4%)), Puerto de Trevelles (32.9 km (3.2%)) and ascent. 3.3 kilometers at 7.6% in the full finish.
Not only in Spain
However, this has now been canceled due to farmers' protests. Farmers are not only taking action in Spain because of (increasing) European regulatory pressure. In recent months we have seen widespread strikes and protests across Europe, initiated by the agricultural sector. This also has consequences for cycling. For example, the opening stage of Ster van Bességes was also canceled due to farmers' protests.
🚨 Official statement | The first stage of the Vuelta a Andalucía was suspended due to the lack of Civil Guard forces due to farmer demonstrations. The direction of the race will soon decide what steps to take.#70rds #UCIProSeries #AIOCC pic.twitter.com/o1DcL0KTVp
– Return to Andalusia (@VCANDALUCIA) February 14, 2024
