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(Reuters) -Riders in the Vuelta a Andalucia
delayed the start of Friday's 183km fourth stage from Baza to
Cullar Vega in protest at race organisers Deporinter over issues
including safety.
In a statement released by the Professional Cyclists'
Association (CPA), road conditions, rider safety, welfare and
stage transfers were all cited as sub-standard.
"The riders will delay the start of today's stage by a few
minutes to protest against the lack of attention that has been
given to their safety requests at the race," the statement read.
"The riders protest against the choice of routes, gravel
descents and large potholes, which in yesterday's (Thursday's)
stage put their safety and well-being in serious danger.
"This symbolic protest is intended to attract the attention of
the organisers and the UCI (world cycling's governing body) to
this important issue."
Reuters has contacted Deporinter and the UCI for comment.
Movistar's Colombian rider Miguel Angel Lopez leads the general
classification after the opening three stages of the race, 20
seconds ahead of Antwan Tolhoek of Jumbo-Visma in second place.
The race finishes on Saturday, with the fifth and final 107km
stage departing Vera before ending at Pulpi after two
third-category climbs.
(Reporting by Joseph WalkerEditing by Toby Davis)
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