The planned finish of stage 20 of the 2025 Vuelta a España at Alto de Guarramillas has faced criticism from environmentalists. They argue that increased crowds, traffic, and necessary infrastructure would endanger the delicate mountain ecosystem. Past editions in 2010 and 2012 reportedly lacked adequate waste management and allowed excessive vehicle access, violating commitments made by organizers. Ecologists in Action and others assert that such environmentally detrimental practices should not be repeated, highlighting concerns from park authorities about noise, waste, and overcrowding in the national park.
"The finish takes place at a hiking area at 2,247 metres in altitude where the crowds, traffic, and infrastructure could damage the fragile high-mountain ecosystem."
"In the opinion of the environmental organization, there shouldn't be a third time because the authorities responsible for protecting the Sierra de Guadarrama shouldn't make the same mistakes over and over again."
"It seems worrying that the finish line of the race will not take place in an urban area, as specified in the PRUG for the Vuelta a España, which suggests possible impacts on the park due to noise, waste, and overcrowding of people and vehicles."
"The race allowed vehicles to drive up Bola del Mundo after promising only motorbikes and ambulances would use the road, had staked advertising banners into the ground, and had not prevented the crowds from trampling the park's flora."
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