Cyclist Kwiatkowski Criticizes UCI Response to Vuelta a España Protest Disruption
Professional cyclist Michał Kwiatkowski, 35, a former World Champion and two-time Tour de France stage winner, has sharply criticized the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and event organizers following disruptions to the final stage of the Vuelta a España caused by protestors. Kwiatkowski voiced his concerns Sunday on X, formerly Twitter, stating the UCI’s handling of the situation sets a hazardous precedent for future cycling events.
The Polish rider argued that allowing protestors to impact the race undermines the integrity of the sport and emboldens further disruptions.”If UCI and the responsible bodies failed to make the right decisions early enough, it is very bad for cycling in the long run that the protesters managed to get what they wanted,” Kwiatkowski wrote. He expressed frustration at being misled about the race’s continuation, stating he wished he had been informed of the cancellation sooner.
Kwiatkowski warned that cycling events are now demonstrably vulnerable as protest venues. “From now on, it is indeed clear to everyone that a bike ride can be used as an effective scene for protests, and next time it will only get worse, as someone allowed it to happen and then another way,” he stated. He also lamented the disappointment caused to fans who attended the event expecting a full competition.
The incident raises questions about security protocols at major cycling races and the UCI’s authority to maintain event integrity in the face of direct action. The UCI has not yet issued a formal response to Kwiatkowski’s criticism. The next major event on the UCI calendar is the Road World Championships, scheduled to take place in Rwanda beginning September 21.
