Several team members have had to deal with heavy and unnecessary police actions in this Vuelta a España.
On Thursday, Jumbo-Visma’s caretaker, Kevin Nyssen, had problems with the Spanish police. He pushed a police officer after Jonas Vingegaard was allegedly hit. Nyssen was then violently tackled by three police officers.
He suffered a severe concussion and remains in the hotel until today. “He is reasonably well, but still needs to take it easy,” said Jumbo-Visma’s Richard Kremers to the Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws. “He can’t remember much anymore. We are simply treated like hooligans.” Jumbo-Visma has also filed a complaint against the police. (More developments in the case after the video below).
A similar incident occurred after the end of the 11th stage. A Cofidis caretaker, excited, was waiting for the stage winner, Jesus Herrada, at the finish line. The Guardia Civil removed the man violently, apparently without reason.
A staff member from Soudal Quick-Step also reported being a victim of the Spanish police. David Geeroms suffered a twisted arm. “We were pushed back aggressively.”
“They pushed us behind the crowd barriers, but of course, we can’t reach the cyclists who are there. It was bizarre, and ‘I couldn’t do my job.’ I’ve never experienced anything like this before. We’re just doing our job, but the police think we’re there to hinder the cyclists.”