Pro-Palestinian protesters knocked down barriers and occupied the road along various points of the course
The final stage of the Vuelta a Espana has been abandoned after pro-Palestinian protesters entered part of the course in the centre of Madrid.
Protesters breached security barriers and occupied the roadway at several locations along the route, including the Gran Via, where cyclists were scheduled to pass multiple times.
Authorities had deployed over 1,000 police officers in anticipation of demonstrations in the Spanish capital.
Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard, who held the lead heading into the 21st and final stage, has been declared the overall winner.
Britain’s Tom Pidcock, representing Q36.5 Pro Cycling, secured third place, trailing UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s Joao Almeida.
The Vuelta has been subject to multiple protests against the Israel-Premier Tech team throughout this year’s competition, resulting in the shortening of some stages.
Riders have reportedly crashed due to the protests, with some expressing concerns regarding their safety.
In the preceding week, Israel-Premier Tech began competing with modified jerseys that omitted their team name.
Organisers stated: “Due to the current circumstances, with thousands of protesters present in downtown Madrid, the status of a winning ceremony remains uncertain.”
“The race has been officially concluded, and Jonas Vingegaard is declared the victor.”
Clashes erupted following the race’s abandonment, with protesters reportedly throwing water bottles and other projectiles at law enforcement.
Race organisers had previously reduced the length of the 21st and final stage of the Vuelta from 111.6km to 103.6km.
The organisers did not specify the reason for the removal of the section, which would have traversed the upscale Madrid neighborhood of Aravaca.
Cycling journalist Brian Smith told BBC Sport: “They realised [there could be disruption] a few days ago when the protesters stopped a stage going into Bilbao.
“So there was always a contingency in place and the riders all voted to ride into Madrid. They knew something may happen”.
The protests follow the commencement of Israeli military operations in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 251 individuals.
Prior to Sunday’s final stage, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his admiration for the protesters.
“Today marks the end of the Vuelta,” Sanchez remarked during a socialist party rally in Malaga. “We extend our respect and recognition to the athletes and express our admiration for the Spanish people who are mobilizing for just causes like Palestine.”
1. Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Visma-Lease a Bike) 7hrs 53mins 57secs
2. Joao Almeida (Por/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +1min 16secs
3. Tom Pidcock (GB/Q36.5 Pro Cycling) +3mins 11secs
4. Jai Hindley (Aus/Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe) +3mins 41secs
5. Matthew Riccitello (US/Israel-Premier Tech) +5mins 55 secs
6. Giulio Pellizzari (Ita/Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe) +7mins 23secs
7. Sepp Kuss (US/Visma-Lease a Bike) +7mins 45secs
8. Felix Gall (Aut/Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale) +7mins 50secs
9. Torstein Traeen (Nor/Bahrain Victorious) +9mins 48secs
10. Matteo Jorgenson (US/Visma-Lease a Bike) +12mins 16secs