Jumbo-Visma Staffer Scuffles with Spanish Police at Vuelta's Stage 18 Finish Line

Moments after stage 18 of the Vuelta had concluded, there was some sort of disagreement that led to a Jumbo-Visma team staffer to be tackled to the ground by the Spanish police. Social media footage shows the Jumbo-Visma helper pushing a police officer after he and Jonas Vingegaard were asked to move off the road. The Jumbo-Visma staffer is then abruptly pushed to the ground by 3 officers, and struggles to get up before being escorted away.

According to Cycling News, “Images from a different angle show the staffer with race leader Kuss just as police arrive and shout at the people on the road to move out of the way of the race organization and team cars that are trying to get through.”

During the live footage of yesterday’s stage, riders could be seen descending off-road to get to the awards area. Announcers seemed confused as to what was going on, but made light of the situation by saying that it was probably the easiest route to take. It’s still unclear why Spanish police were so concerned with riders on the road.

Cycling News reported that footage also shows Jumbo-Visma’s communications manager, Ard Bierens, attempting to calm the situation down. “The staff member in question, who had the correct accreditation visible in the video, was then grabbed by the back of his shirt and guided away by police.” Jonas Vingegaard later went to check on the staffer, to make sure he was okay. The staffer was not arrested, but the scene was clearly very tense.

While the violence seemed entirely unnecessary, the Spanish police have continued to be on high alert after they prevented a planned oil attack ahead of stage 3, and then arrested a man for trying to cause a crash in stage 7. Hopefully the remainder of the weekend will be without incident.

You Might Also Like

• The Right Chain Lube Can Save You Thousands

• Everything You Need to Start E-Bike Commuting

• 7 Things You Should Do After Every Rainy Ride