The final stage of the Vuelta a España was abandoned on Sunday after pro-Palestinian protesters overran the finish area in central Madrid, forcing the peloton to stop with 55km remaining. Race organisers cited security concerns, cancelling the stage and the podium ceremony.
Spanish media reported around 3,000 protesters at the finish line, with violent clashes between police and demonstrators. Security sources said officers had to charge protesters who were throwing barriers and bottles. The Spanish government later stated that over 100,000 people attended the rally in Madrid.
Extra police had been deployed for the final stage amid days of vociferous protests directed at the Israel Premier Tech team. The security operation was the largest since Madrid hosted a Nato summit in 2022. Protesters pushed over barriers near Plaza de Colón and Gran Vía, overwhelming security forces, who fired teargas.
Jonas Vingegaard, the race leader, was seen sharing a muted handshake with his teammates before heading directly to the team hotel. Despite the cancellation, Vingegaard won the overall race, his third Grand Tour victory, ahead of Portugal's João Almeida and Britain's Tom Pidcock.
Before the stage, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed admiration for the demonstrators, saying: 'We would like to express our gratitude and absolute respect for the athletes but also our admiration for the Spanish people who mobilise for just causes, such as Palestine.' Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned Sánchez, stating: 'He encouraged protesters to take to the streets. The pro-Palestinian mob listened to the inciting messages and attacked La Vuelta.'
The collapse of the Vuelta has plunged World Tour racing into crisis, with the Israel Premier Tech team facing ongoing protests. The Tour de France Grand Depart in Barcelona next year is already being targeted by protest groups.
