Cyclist Kwiatkowski Criticizes UCI Response to Vuelta a Espaรฑa Protest Disruption
Professional โฃcyclist Michaล Kwiatkowski, โ35, a former World Champion and two-time Tourโ de โFrance stage winner, has sharply criticized โthe Union Cycliste Internationaleโข (UCI) and event organizers following disruptions to the final stage of the Vuelta a Espaรฑaโ 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 Polishโฃ rider argued that allowing protestors to impact the race undermines the integrity of the sport and emboldens furtherโ disruptions.”If UCI โฃand the โresponsibleโค bodies failed to make the rightโ 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 theโ race’s continuation, stating he โwished he had been informed of the cancellation sooner.
Kwiatkowski warned that cycling events are โฃnow demonstrably vulnerable as protest venues. “From now on, it is โindeed clear to everyoneโค that a bike ride canโ be used โas an effective scene for protests, and next time it will only get worse, as someone allowed it to happen and then another โคway,” he stated. He also lamented the disappointment caused to fansโข who attended the event expecting a full competition.
The incident raises questionsโ about security protocols atโฃ major cycling races and the UCI’s authority to maintain event integrity in the face โof direct โaction. The UCI has not yet issued a formal โresponse to Kwiatkowski’s criticism.โ The next majorโ event on the UCI calendar is theโฃ Road World Championships, scheduledโฃ to take place in Rwanda beginning September 21.