The final stage of the Vuelta a España was abandoned on Sunday after pro-Palestinian protesters swarmed the finish line area and presentation podium in central Madrid, forcing race leader Jonas Vingegaard and the peloton to turn back with over 55km remaining.
Spanish media reported that about 3,000 protesters were at the finish line, with violent clashes between police and protesters. Security sources said police had to charge protesters who were throwing barriers and bottles. The Spanish government later stated that more than 100,000 people attended the rally in Madrid.
Extra police had been deployed for the final stage due to vociferous protests directed at the Israel Premier Tech team, but security forces lost control as a huge crowd pushed over race barriers near Plaza de Colón and Gran Vía. Police fired teargas, but the race route was overwhelmed.
Race organisers stopped the front of the peloton and, after discussions with the Guardia Civil, decided to cancel the stage. In an official statement, they said: 'For security reasons, stage 21 of La Vuelta has been ended early. There will be no podium ceremony.'
Despite the cancellation, Vingegaard won the race overall, with Portugal's João Almeida second and Britain's Tom Pidcock third. The planned podium ceremony was cancelled.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed admiration for the demonstrators, drawing criticism from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who said: 'He encouraged protesters to take to the streets... Sánchez and his government: shame on Spain!'
