'Just not safe' - High winds force neutralisation of Valenciana time trial

Concerns were raised on Thursday morning when riders encountered issues during their recons of the time trial course from Carlet to Alginet. Riders reported difficulties in controlling their time trial bikes, and they also pointed out that roadside barriers were being blown into the course as Storm Leonardo continues to sweep across the Iberian peninsula.

Following deliberations between the race organisation and commissaires shortly before the start, it was agreed that the stage would not count towards the general classification and that riders would tackle the course on their road bikes.

“It’s crazy. The course is just not safe,” Cian Uijtdebroeks said in a video released by Movistar. “Riding with the TT bike is impossible with the wind gusts, and also the barriers are flying all over the road. Even with the road bike for me it would be unsafe. It would be a shame if we start, but let’s see what they decide.”

The new configuration of the stage was initially flagged by a number of teams, including Lidl-Trek, before the format was later confirmed by the race organisation. 

“As a result of the safety protocol meeting, comprising the various departments previously communicated, and following a thorough analysis of the situation and the conditions under which the stage will be conducted, the decision has been taken to proceed with the start in accordance with the planned route,” read a statement from the Volta Comunitat Valenciana race organisation.

“Nevertheless, it has been agreed that the times recorded will not count towards the general classification. The stage will have a stage winner, and the corresponding ceremony will be held in accordance with the established protocol.”

Eddy Huntsman (APS) was the first rider down the start ramp, setting off on his road bike. “I’m not very nervous," he told Sporza. “For now, it’s mostly tailwinds and crosswinds, but it could become dangerous if that changes.”

The stage was expected to produce a GC showdown between world time trial champion Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) and João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), but following the neutralisation, riders were reluctant to take undue risks for a stage that no longer counted towards the overall standings.

“Some gusts were quite extreme when you come to somewhere that is open,” Almeida told Eurosport, adding that he agreed with the decision not to race on time trial bikes even though it hindered his GC chances.

“For me, the TT was going to be a very good chance for me to try to secure a place on the podium, and, of course, for Remco it’s also better. But there’s still a good race ahead and we’ll focus on what’s ahead of us.”