The Vuelta a Espana has decided to shorten Thursday's individual time trial stage in an effort to avoid further disruptions to the race by pro-Palestinian protesters, organisers said on Wednesday.

Stage 18 in the city of Valladolid had an original route of 27.2km but the riders will now race for 12.2km, and the start and finish of the stage will remain as originally planned.

"With the aim of ensuring greater protection for the stage, the organisers of La Vuelta, in coordination with Valladolid City Council and following consultation with the College of Commissaires, have decided that tomorrow's time trial will be contested over a 12.2 kilometre route," a statement said.

Two stages of the race, Tuesday's stage 16, along with stage 11 came to a premature end after organisers ordered the r

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