09/15/25 04:15:00
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09/15 04:13 CDT Chaotic scenes in Madrid as pro-Palestinian protesters disrupt
final stage of Vuelta cycling race
Chaotic scenes in Madrid as pro-Palestinian protesters disrupt final stage of
Vuelta cycling race
By TALES AZZONI
AP Sports Writer
MADRID (AP) --- Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the final stage of the
Spanish Vuelta, throwing barriers onto the road and clashing with police as the
three-week-long race ended with chaotic scenes in Madrid.
Authorities said two people were arrested and 22 injured, none of them
seriously, in confrontations between police and protesters Sunday near the
finish line in the city center.
Organizers abandoned the stage with about 50 kilometers (31 miles) remaining as
protesters opposing the participation of Israeli team Israel Premier Tech broke
through police barriers and blocked the course. The central government's
representative for the Madrid region said an estimated 100,000 people were on
the streets during the protests.
"We regret the events that took place during the final stage of La Vuelta 25,"
Spanish Vuelta organizers said in a statement late Sunday. "Despite all the
efforts made by the organization, we were unable to conclude the stage as
planned due to the unfortunate incidents that occurred in Madrid."
Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard, who was leading the overall classification going
into the final stage, was declared the winner of the Vuelta but the customary
podium ceremony was canceled.
"It's a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us," Vingegaard
said. "Everyone has the right to protest, but not in a way that influences or
endangers our race."
The teams reportedly improvised a private podium ceremony later so riders could
celebrate.
This year's Vuelta became a diplomatic battleground with pro-Palestinian
protesters interrupting several stages and demanding that Israel Premier Tech
be expelled from the race. In one incident, a protester carrying a Palestinian
flag tried to run on to the road ahead of riders, causing two to crash.
Spain's left-wing government expressed sympathy with the protesters and
suggested Israel Premier Tech should withdraw from the race. The team removed
the team name from its uniforms but remained in the race until the end.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Sunday criticized Spanish Prime
Minister Pedro Snchez for what he said was encouragement for the protesters.
Madrid's conservative mayor, Jos Luis Martnez-Almeida, also criticized
Snchez and described Sunday's events as a sad day for the Spanish capital.
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