Catalunya stage shortened due to strike
Thursday's 197.3km fourth stage of the Tour of Catalunya cycling race between Barruera and Andorra in the Pyrenees has been shortened to 52km because of a 24-hour general strike in Spain, race organizers said. Race director general Oscar Pitarch and riders' representative Jose Rodriguez reached agreement after a three-hour meeting during which the Spanish riders indicated they wanted to support the strike. The protest is over controversial government plans to reform the unemployment benefit system. The stage will be reduced to two top category climbs culminating in the arrival at the
By VeloNews Interactive wire services, Copyright AFP2002
Thursday’s 197.3km fourth stage of the Tour of Catalunya cycling race between Barruera and Andorra in the Pyrenees has been shortened to 52km because of a 24-hour general strike in Spain, race organizers said.
Race director general Oscar Pitarch and riders’ representative Jose Rodriguez reached agreement after a three-hour meeting during which the Spanish riders indicated they wanted to support the strike.
The protest is over controversial government plans to reform the unemployment benefit system.
The stage will be reduced to two top category climbs culminating in the arrival at the resort town of Pal in Andorra.
Copyright AFP2002