Madrid: The final stage of the Vuelta a Espana was abruptly halted after pro-Palestinian protesters took over parts of the route in central Madrid. The protest led to the disruption of the cycling event, forcing riders to stop with approximately 60 kilometers left as they reached the finishing circuit. The stage was subsequently abandoned.
According to BBC, more than 1,000 police officers had been deployed in anticipation of potential demonstrations in the Spanish capital. The protesters managed to knock down barriers and occupy multiple sections of the course, including the Gran Via, disrupting the planned route where cyclists were expected to pass multiple times.
Throughout this year’s Vuelta, there have been several protests targeting the Israel-Premier Tech team, resulting in some stages being shortened. Riders have expressed concerns about safety, with some having crashed due to the disruptions. In response to the protests, the Israel-Premier Tech team began racing in modified jerseys that did not display their team name.
There was no podium presentation for Jonas Vingegaard or the winners of other race jerseys. Vingegaard expressed disappointment, stating, “It’s a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us,” emphasizing that while everyone has the right to protest, it should not endanger the race.
Following the race’s abandonment, clashes persisted with protesters throwing bottles and other objects at the police. Organizers had preemptively shortened the 21st and final stage from 111.6 kilometers to 103.6 kilometers but did not specify a reason for the section removed, which would have traversed the affluent Madrid neighborhood of Aravaca.
Cycling journalist Brian Smith commented to BBC Sport about the foresight of potential disruptions, noting that “there was always a contingency in place,” and riders had voted to continue into Madrid despite knowing potential protests could occur.
The protests are in response to the recent Israeli military campaign in Gaza following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, at least 64,871 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since then.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed admiration for the protesters before the final stage, acknowledging their mobilization for “just causes like Palestine.” However, Madrid’s mayor, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, criticized Sanchez, attributing blame for the race’s abandonment to the prime minister’s statements.
Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, condemned Sanchez and his government, accusing them of inciting the protests and referring to them as a “disgrace” to Spain. Saar asserted that the pro-Palestinian protesters responded to these incitements, causing the disruption of the Vuelta a Espana.
