Madrid: The final stage of the Vuelta a Espana was abandoned after pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the course in the center of Madrid. Protesters knocked down barriers and occupied parts of the road, including Gran Via, which cyclists were scheduled to pass multiple times.
According to BBC, more than 1,000 police officers were deployed in the Spanish capital in anticipation of the demonstrations. The race was halted with approximately 60km remaining as the riders approached the finishing circuit in Madrid. This year’s Vuelta had already experienced disruptions due to protests against the Israel-Premier Tech team, resulting in some stages being shortened.
Riders expressed concerns about their safety, with incidents of crashes due to the protests. Last week, the Israel-Premier Tech team raced in modified jerseys without displaying their team name. No podium presentation occurred for Vingegaard or other race jersey winners. Vingegaard expressed disappointment, stating, “It’s a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us.”
Following the race’s abandonment, clashes continued, with protesters throwing objects at police. The 21st and final stage had already been reduced from 111.6km to 103.6km by race organizers, who did not specify the reason for the removed section through Madrid’s Aravaca neighborhood.
Cycling journalist Brian Smith commented to BBC Sport that there had been a contingency plan in place, as protests had previously stopped a stage going into Bilbao. The protests followed the Israeli military’s campaign in Gaza in response to a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant casualties.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed admiration for the protesters, stating at a rally in Malaga, “Our respect and recognition for the athletes and our admiration for the Spanish people who are mobilizing for just causes like Palestine.” Madrid’s mayor, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, blamed Sanchez’s comments for the race’s abandonment, calling it a “sad day” for the city.
Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, criticized Sanchez and his government, posting on X that Sanchez encouraged the protests, which led to the disruption of the race. The incident concluded the Vuelta with general classification standings unchanged, as detailed by the BBC.