'We tried, but it's impossible' - Pello Bilbao on winds that forced Vuelta a Murcia neutralisation

Pello Bilbao (Bahrain-Victorious) explained how the peloton tried to ride stage 2 of the Vuelta a la Región de Murcia, out of respect for the race organisers, before quickly realising that completing the entire second stage of the race was unfeasible due to windy conditions and resulting in a neutralisation.

The second stage had already been reduced in distance from 180km to 148km, delayed by 45 minutes due to several exposed sections of the course threatened by strong gusts of wind. This follows a wind-impacted opening stage, which was significantly cut in distance with the decision being made between the race organisers and the peloton, represented by Bilbao.

The riders set off from the start town of Fortuna, but it quickly became apparent that the conditions were not manageable, as even a tree was blown onto the course. The peloton came to a halt as the stage was neutralised. 

“I think we showed that we tried, we were flexible (the riders) and decided to try and ride all the stage,” Bilbao explained to Cycling Pro Net as the riders were halted. “In the beginning, the first 20km it looked like it was possible, then we turned right, and we found really, really strong gusts, and everyone understood it’s impossible to race like this.”

The peloton has since travelled to the finish town of Santomera via team cars, where the riders rode a 10km circuit with Emīls Liepiņš (Pinarello-Q36.5) crossing the line first. GC times will not count according to reports, with Marc Soler (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) being the current leader after soloing to victory on the first stage. 

Bilbao explained a desire to express his appreciation to the race organisers despite the difficult decision. “In the end, we want to help the race organisers who make this race possible, and maybe we can save the stage just to give a winner and make a smaller circuit in the end, with at least a stage winner," said Bilbao.