The final stage of the Vuelta a Espana was abruptly abandoned due to large-scale pro-Palestinian protests in Madrid, leading to Jonas Vingegaard being crowned champion for the first time. The decision to halt the race came as thousands of protestors filled the streets of the Spanish capital, disrupting the course with chants and smoke.
Witnesses reported that protestors knocked down barriers and marched onto Gran Via, where cyclists were supposed to complete several loops. The protestors, some chanting for a boycott of Israel, brought the race to a standstill approximately 56 kilometers from the finish line. As a result, the organizers decided to abandon the stage, leaving Vingegaard, who was leading in the red jersey, as the overall winner.
Protests and Political Reactions
The abandonment of the race was celebrated by protestors who chanted, “Palestine won this Vuelta.” The protests were largely directed against the participation of the private Israel-Premier Tech team, which had been a point of contention throughout the three-week grand tour. Various stages of the Vuelta had already been shortened due to similar protests.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his pride in the protests, while several members of Spain’s leftist government openly supported the movement. Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz criticized Israel on social media, stating that the country “cannot compete in any event while it continues to commit a genocide.” Her comments came shortly after being barred from entering Israel due to her criticism of their actions in Gaza.
“Spanish society has given a lesson to the world (by) paralysing the Vuelta,” Diaz declared.
Meanwhile, the leader of Spain’s conservative opposition, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, criticized the government for what he termed an “international embarrassment televised worldwide” due to the chaotic protests.
Impact on the Race
Security measures were heightened for the final stage in Madrid, but they proved insufficient to prevent the race’s abandonment. The riders, who had begun the 104-kilometer stretch from Alalpardo to Madrid in a relaxed manner, were left disappointed. Jonas Vingegaard expressed his regret over the lost opportunity to celebrate his victory with fans and teammates.
“It’s a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us,” Vingegaard lamented. “Everyone has the right to protest, but not in a way that influences or endangers our race.”
Despite the abrupt end, Vingegaard’s performance throughout the Vuelta was commendable. He overcame illness in the second week and secured his victory with a decisive solo charge up the Bola del Mundo mountain. Behind him, Joao Almeida of Portugal and Tom Pidcock of Britain achieved their best grand tour finishes, placing second and third, respectively.
Broader Context of the Protests
The protests in Madrid are part of a larger global reaction to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Israel launched its offensive in October 2023 in response to a cross-border attack by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians. According to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, Israel’s bombardment has killed at least 64,700 Palestinians, a figure the United Nations considers reliable.
Retired university professor Jose Luis Fernandez, one of the protestors, voiced the sentiment of many Spaniards. “Why does Israel have impunity?” he questioned. “The majority of the Spanish people do not accept what is happening in Gaza… look, there are people of all ages, very young, very old, this is a popular sentiment in Spain.”
“It’s not a war, it’s a genocide,” protestors chanted, echoing a widespread call for justice and accountability.
The Vuelta a Espana’s final stage may have been abandoned, but the protests in Madrid have highlighted the strong support for the Palestinian cause in Spain. As the cycling world processes this unprecedented conclusion, the broader implications of these events continue to unfold on the international stage.
