MADRID, Spain — Protests erupted during the final stage of the Vuelta a España cycling race, forcing organizers to abandon the event and leading to clashes between demonstrators and police. Riders expressed concern for their safety, with some even crashing due to the disruptions.
Protests led to the abandonment of the Vuelta a España’s final stage, with riders facing safety concerns.
- The final stage of the Vuelta a España was abandoned due to protests.
- Riders reported crashes and safety worries amidst the demonstrations.
- The team Israel-Premier Tech raced with modified jerseys lacking their team name.
- Political leaders exchanged sharp accusations over the role of protests and statements.
The controversy stems from the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The Israeli military’s campaign in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties.
Safety Concerns Plague Final Stage
Riders found themselves in a precarious situation as protests spilled onto the course. Some riders crashed, leading to widespread worry about their safety. In a striking visual, the Israel-Premier Tech team raced in modified jerseys that did not display their team name, a silent acknowledgment of the charged political climate.
“It’s a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us,” said Jonas Vingegaard, the overall winner. “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.”
Organizers had already reduced the 21st and final stage from 111.6 kilometers to 103.6 kilometers, removing a section that would have passed through the upscale Madrid neighborhood of Aravaca. The exact reason for this alteration was not specified.
Cycling journalist Brian Smith noted the anticipation of trouble. “They realized [there could be disruption] a few days ago when the protesters stopped a stage going into Bilbao,” he told BBC Sport. “So there was always a contingency in place and the riders all voted to ride into Madrid. They knew something may happen.”
Clashes continued even after the race was officially abandoned, with protesters throwing objects at police.
Political Firestorm Erupts
The protests have ignited a political firestorm, with leaders from Spain and Israel trading barbs. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, speaking before the final stage in Malaga, expressed admiration for the protesters.
“Today marks the end of the Vuelta,” Sanchez said at a socialist party rally. “Our respect and recognition for the athletes and our admiration for the Spanish people who are mobilising for just causes like Palestine.”
Madrid’s mayor, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, vehemently disagreed, blaming Sanchez’s remarks for the abandonment. “[It is] violence that the prime minister is directly responsible for due to his statements this morning instigating the protests,” he stated. “Today is the saddest day since I became mayor of this great city.”
Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, condemned Sanchez and his government as a “disgrace” to Spain. Posting on X, Saar alleged, “Today he encouraged protesters to take to the streets. The pro-Palestinian mob heard the messages of incitement – and ruined the cycling race La Vuelta.”
The Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killed about 1,200 people, with 251 taken hostage. Since then, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that at least 64,871 people have been killed in Israeli attacks.
There was no podium presentation for Vingegaard or the winners of other race jerseys, leaving a somber end to the competition.
