Ganna wins shortened Vuelta time trial as protests continue

Filippo Ganna claimed stage 18 of the Vuelta a España on Thursday, winning a shortened 12.2km individual time trial in Valladolid as heightened security again followed pro-Palestinian protests.

Organisers reduced the distance by 15km a day earlier after demonstrations had disrupted earlier stages. Police reinforced the route and arrested two protestors who tried to breach barriers, though the racing was unaffected. Hundreds of demonstrators waved Palestinian flags, with Israel-Premier Tech riders once more the focus of protest.

Ineos Grenadiers rider Ganna set the benchmark at 13 minutes, edging Australia’s Jay Vine by one second. Joao Almeida finished third, trimming 10 seconds off Jonas Vingegaard’s overall lead. The Dane now holds a 40-second advantage heading into the final weekend.

“The change of (route) was a little bit strange, but I tried to do the best today,” Ganna said after sealing his second career Vuelta stage win.

Vingegaard finished ninth but remained content: “Pretty happy with how it went today… I’m still in the lead.”

(Source: AFP)