UPDATE: Race organizers have decided to cancel the result of stage 11 after hundreds of protesters. “Due to some incidents at the finish line, we have decided to take the time at 3 km before the line. There will be no stage winner.” Moments later, Tadej Pogačar broke his silence with a 12-word statement about the future of cycling, right after witnessing the terrifying scenes of the 2025 Vuelta stage… Full story below 👇
The world of professional cycling was left in shock after stage 11 of the 2025 Vuelta a España descended into chaos due to mass protests near the finish line. Organizers confirmed that the stage result would be canceled after several groups of demonstrators blocked the final stretch of the course, creating dangerous conditions for riders, teams, and spectators alike. According to officials, the neutralization was enforced at the three-kilometer mark, meaning general classification times would be taken from that point. However, the unprecedented decision not to declare a stage winner left fans stunned and the cycling community in turmoil.
Eyewitness reports described chaotic scenes as protesters rushed the barriers near the finishing straight, some holding banners and others attempting to disrupt the race entirely. Security personnel struggled to control the situation, and with riders already pushing to their limits after a grueling day in the saddle, organizers deemed the circumstances unsafe. Several teams reportedly supported the decision, citing the priority of rider safety above sporting outcomes. Nonetheless, the cancellation marked one of the most dramatic and unsettling moments in recent cycling history.
In the aftermath, all eyes turned to Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian superstar and one of the sport’s most influential figures. Known for his composure and insight, Pogačar had remained silent during the immediate confusion but broke that silence with a concise, 12-word statement that has since gone viral: “Cycling cannot survive without respect, safety, and change for the future.” Those words struck a chord across the sporting world, echoing the concerns of many athletes who have grown increasingly vocal about safety and integrity in modern cycling.
Pogačar’s comment quickly spread across social media, where fans and commentators praised his leadership in a moment of crisis. Hashtags like #VueltaChaos, #PogacarSpeaks, and #FutureOfCycling trended globally within hours, as the cycling community debated what reforms may be necessary to protect riders and preserve the credibility of the sport. Former champions and analysts highlighted the vulnerability of road cycling, a discipline where athletes compete on open courses and are exposed to unpredictable outside elements, ranging from weather to protest disruptions.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) issued a brief statement acknowledging the seriousness of the incident and promising a full investigation. Organizers of the Vuelta also expressed regret to fans, riders, and sponsors, insisting that steps would be taken to prevent a recurrence. However, critics argue that the sport must fundamentally rethink how it manages security at major events, especially as cycling continues to attract global attention and passionate — sometimes disruptive — activism.
For the riders, the stage’s cancellation meant a rare pause in the relentless pursuit of victory, but also an uneasy reminder of the risks they face beyond their rivals and the road itself. For fans, it was a moment of heartbreak as one of the sport’s most prestigious races was overshadowed by turmoil.
As the Vuelta moves forward, the memory of stage 11 will linger, not as a contest of strength or strategy, but as a symbol of vulnerability and the urgent call for reform. And at the center of it stands Pogačar’s message — a reminder that cycling’s future will depend not only on speed and endurance, but on respect, safety, and the courage to embrace change.
