Vuelta a España Finale Halted Amid Protests

Tue Sep 16 2025 02:54:48 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The final stage of the Vuelta a España was abruptly canceled due to protests in Madrid, intersecting with critical global issues.

On September 14, 2025, the concluding stage of the Vuelta a España was abandoned as pro-Palestinian protesters obstructed the route, prompting police intervention and raising safety concerns. Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard was declared the winner amidst a backdrop of political tensions, with accusations exchanged between officials regarding the protests' origins.

The final stage of the Vuelta a España was abandoned after pro-Palestinian protesters entered part of the course in the centre of Madrid.

Protesters knocked down barriers and occupied the road at several points on the course, including Gran Via, where cyclists were slated to pass multiple times.

Over 1,000 police officers had been deployed throughout the Spanish capital in anticipation of demonstrations.

Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard, who led going into the final stage, was declared the winner—marking his first Vuelta title as a two-time Tour de France champion.

Traditionally, competitors do not attempt to surpass the leader on the last day of a Grand Tour.

British cyclist Tom Pidcock finished third, trailing behind Joao Almeida of UAE Team Emirates-XRG.

Riders were halted with approximately 60km remaining as they approached the finishing circuit in Madrid, leading to the race's cancellation.

This year’s Vuelta faced various protests against the Israel-Premier Tech team, resulting in the alteration of multiple stages.

Incidents of cyclist crashes due to protests prompted growing concerns among participants regarding their safety.

Last week, the Israel-Premier Tech team raced in modified jerseys that omitted their team name.

No podium presentation took place for Vingegaard, nor for the winners of other race jerseys.

“It’s a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us,” expressed Vingegaard. “I was looking forward to celebrating this overall win with my team and the fans. Everyone has the right to protest, but not in a way that influences or endangers our race.”

Protests escalated even after the race was called off, with demonstrators hurling bottles and other items at police.

Race organizers previously shortened the final stage from 111.6km to 103.6km but did not disclose reasons for omitting an urban stretch through Madrid’s affluent Aravaca neighborhood.

Cycling journalist Brian Smith reported that there were pre-emptive measures in place as the protests became evident days prior when demonstrators disrupted an earlier stage in Bilbao.

The recent protests occurred amid heightened tensions following the Israeli military's operation in Gaza, instigated by a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties.

As of this date, over 64,000 fatalities have been reported in Gaza due to retaliatory Israeli airstrikes, according to the local health ministry.

Before the final stage, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed admiration for the protesters, stating, “Today marks the end of the Vuelta... Our respect and recognition for the athletes and our admiration for the Spanish people who are mobilizing for just causes like Palestine.”

Madrid's mayor, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, criticized Sanchez, suggesting his statements incited the protests that ultimately led to the race's abandonment.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned Sanchez and his government, asserting they bore responsibility for the disruptions.

“The pro-Palestinian mob heard the messages of incitement—and ruined the cycling race La Vuelta,” he asserted.