Local criticism of professionals

PROFESSIONAL and amateur cyclists often claim that they feel defenceless on Spain’s roads.  

Euro Weekly News reader Stephen Pawley does not agree.  “Professional cycling teams practising in Moraira, Benitachell, Javea and Denia pose a danger to other road users,” he told us. “They seem to think they can ignore regulations and behave as though they own the road.” 

Professional teams expect motorists already on a roundabout to give them right of way, complained Mr Pawley, and they routinely ride through red traffic lights in full sight of the police who do nothing.  

On the Benitachell-Javea road he was confronted not long ago by cyclists riding six abreast who forced him to drive onto the verge, he said. 

They urinate at the side of public roads without the common decency of going behind a tree, Mr Pawley continued.  “If I did the same I would be arrested by the Local Police or Guardia Civil for indecency.” 

He suggested that the police should ensure professional cycling teams adhere to the rules.  “This is especially true in winter when there are many elderly drivers whose reactions are not as fast as they were,” he said.