Racing up a climb to the finish, battling it out with another rider for a podium place, the last thing you probably want to see is a parked car sitting in your way just ahead of the line.
But that's what Bauke Mollema (Trek Factory Racing) and Zdenek Stybar (Etixx - Quick-Step) had to deal with as they raced for second and third at the Vuelta a Murcia on Saturday, flying round the finishing bend to be confronted with what looks like a neutral service car.
Mark Cavendish wins the Clasica de Almeria
Mark Cavendish takes fifth 2015 victory, winning the bunch sprint in the Clasica de Almeria in Spain
Riders behind them also had to take evasive action to avoid the vehicle, as it remains unclear not only why it stopped there, but why cars and motorbikes weren't pulled out from behind winner Rein Taaramäe (Astana), who had only a 10 second gap between him and the two chasers.
The UCI have yet to comment on the incident but both Mollema and Stybar took to Twitter to complain about the incident.
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL7 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
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