MADRID, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The 16th stage of the Vuelta a Espana ended eight kilometers short of its planned finish in Castro de Hervelle on Tuesday, after protests against the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech team prompted organizers to halt the race at the foot of the final climb to avoid potential disruptions.
The incident was a repeat of what had happened in the 11th stage, when times were taken three kilometers from the finish line due to pro-Palestine and anti-Israel protests.
Earlier in the day, Movistar rider Javier Romo had been forced to pull out of the race as he was unable to continue as a result of injuries suffered in a fall on Sunday, which happened after he swerved to avoid a demonstrator.
The shortened stage was won by Egan Bernal (INEOS-Grenadiers) who finished just ahead of Mikel Landa (Soudal-Quick Step) after the two had formed part of a breakaway that opened up a lead of over seven minutes over the group containing the race favorites.
Overall leader Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease-A-Bike) suffered a blow before the start of the stage with team-mate Victor Campenaerts having to withdraw from the race due to illness, robbing Vingegaard of a key support rider.
Vingegaard maintains his 48 second lead over Joao Almeida (UAE-Team Emirates) in the overall standings, but with further protests likely, the future of the race has become uncertain. ■
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