Political fall-out continued in Spain on Monday after more than 100,000 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in Madrid, forcing organisers to crop Sunday's final stage of La Vuelta. It was just the latest in a series of interruptions to one of world's most prestigious cycling races after the Tour de France.
Two people were arrested and around 20 injured in scuffles with authorities as demonstrators occupied the route at several points in the Spanish capital in protest at the presence of the Israel Premier Tech team in the three-week event.
Jonas Vingegaard claimed his first La Vuelta crown as a Visma–Lease a Bike rider after event organisers abandoned the 103.6km 21st stage between Alalpardo and Madrid with 50km remaining.
Vingegaard, a two-time winner of the Tour de France, completed the 3,000km course in 74 hours 20 minutes and 28 seconds.
Joao Almeida from Portugal, a cyclist for the UAE Team Emirates XRG, was 76 seconds behind and Britain's Tom Pidcock was third. The Q36.5 rider finished three minutes and 11 seconds off the pace.
The trio celebrated their feats at the 80th edition of the race in a hotel car park away from the crowds in the central plazas.
"It’s a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us," Vingegaard said. "I’m really disappointed about that.
"I was looking forward to celebrating this overall win with my team and the fans. Everyone has the right to protest, but not in a way that influences or endangers our race."
As the riders lamented the disrupted conclusion, politicians from Spain and Israel became embroiled in a row over the behaviour of protesters.
Speaking during a Socialist Workers' party rally in the southern city of Malaga, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: "Our respect and recognition for the athletes and our admiration for the Spanish people who are mobilising for just causes like Palestine."
Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the opposition Popular Party, lashed out at Sanchez.
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Ways to protest
"The head of the government is proud of the behaviour of a few who, to show their support for Gaza, threw barriers at the national police (...) Not me. I defend freedom of expression as long as it does not involve violence or unrest."
Madrid mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida also criticised Sanchez and described Sunday's events as a "sad day" for the Spanish capital.
Israel's foreign minister Gideon Saar posted on social media that Sanchez and his government were a disgrace to Spain.
"He encouraged demonstrators to take to the streets," Saar said. "The pro-Palestinian mob heard the incitement messages – and wrecked the La Vuelta cycling race."
Yolanda Diaz, Spain's labour minister, also waded into the spat. "Spanish society does not tolerate the normalisation of the genocide in Gaza in sporting or cultural events,’" she said. "Our society is an example of dignity."
Oscar Lopez, the minister of public service, added: "The fact that the people of Madrid are protesting against genocide does not damage Spain's image. On the contrary (...) I regret it for La Vuelta, but I regret it even more for the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who are being massacred."
The 2025 La Vuelta has been hit by protests since it started in Turin in Italy on 23 August. Protesters carrying Palestinian flags slowed down Israel-Premier Tech riders during the fifth stage in Figueres on 27 August.
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Stage chalked off
On 3 September, the 11th stage in Bilbao was chalked off due to protests leading the UCI – world cycling's governing body – to issue a statement calling for calm.
"The UCI reiterates the fundamental importance of the political neutrality of sports organisations within the Olympic Movement, as well as the unifying and pacifying role of sport," it said.
"Major international sporting events embody a spirit of unity and dialogue, transcending differences and divisions.
"In this sense, the UCI reaffirms its commitment to the political neutrality, independence, and autonomy of sport, in accordance with the founding principles of the Olympic Movement.
"The UCI expresses its solidarity and support for the teams and their staff as well as the riders, who should be able to practise their profession and pursue their passion in optimal conditions of safety and serenity."
Despite the plea, incidents continued. On 7 September during the 15th stage between A Veiga/Vegadeo and Monforte de Lemos, a man carrying a Palestine flag caused a crash when he ran towards the road as riders approached. Javi Romo pulled out the next day due to injuries he sustained after his fall.
(With newswires)
