Spanish officials reported that over 100,000 individuals participated in the recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations, leading to the disruption of the final leg of the Spanish Vuelta cycling race and prompting organizers to abbreviate the Grand Tour event on Sunday. The representative of the Madrid region’s central government stated that more than 100,000 people were estimated to have attended the protests, although the figure was not independently verified. Two individuals were apprehended by law enforcement during the demonstrations.
Jonas Vingegaard, a cyclist for Visma-Lease a Bike, was declared the overall victor of the three-week cycling competition. Tensions escalated between protesters and police near the race’s conclusion in Madrid, with some demonstrators displaying anti-Israel signs that obstructed the road and caused riders to halt.
Due to security concerns, the final stage was concluded prematurely, resulting in the cancellation of the podium ceremony. Organizers clarified that the race concluded ahead of schedule to ensure the safety of the cyclists.
There was no awarded stage winner as the race was cut short. Vingegaard had solidified his lead over João Almeida on the previous day, maintaining a 1 minute and 16-second advantage over Almeida. This marked Vingegaard’s third Grand Tour triumph, following his victories in the Tour de France in 2022 and 2023.
Protesters threw barriers onto the road during the finishing circuit in Madrid, where riders were scheduled to complete nine laps. A group of demonstrators remained on the road where the race was expected to pass, displaying anti-Israel banners on nearby buildings. The protests, largely peaceful, continued into the evening in Madrid.
Law enforcement officials, equipped in riot gear, engaged with protesters at various points along the route. Over 1,500 police officers were deployed before the final stage to ensure security. Despite the disruptions, the race commenced without major incidents as cyclists set off on the concluding 103.6-kilometre stage from Alalpardo.
The Spanish Vuelta became a focal point for diplomatic tensions, primarily due to protests against the presence of the Israeli-affiliated team Premier Tech. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who recognized a Palestinian state along with Ireland and Norway, faced criticism for his stance on the protests. The Israeli Foreign Minister condemned Sanchez for allegedly supporting the demonstrators.
The final days of the race were marred by protests, leading to several interruptions and detentions by police. Safety concerns prompted alterations to the route of the final stage, reducing it by five kilometers. The heavy police presence, including riot police and mounted officers, aimed to maintain order during the race’s conclusion in Madrid.