The 2025 Vuelta a España cycling race's final stage was
cancelled in Madrid due to mass pro-Palestinian protests that blocked the
course, forcing organisers to end the event prematurely. Spanish Prime Minister
Pedro Sanchez expressed admiration for the protesters and called for Israel to
be barred from international sports, prompting sharp condemnation from Israel's
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who labeled Sanchez "a disgrace to
Spain."
Vuelta a España final stage cancelled amid major protests
The final stage of the 2025 Vuelta a España was abruptly
halted and eventually cancelled on Sunday as thousands of pro-Palestinian
protesters stormed the roads in central Madrid, dismantling barriers and
blocking the cycling race’s planned route. Despite the deployment of more than
1,000 police officers, the organisers deemed it unsafe to proceed and
officially ended the race early. The cancellation marked the first time since
1978 that a grand tour's final stage was prevented from finishing due to political
demonstrations.
Protesters in excess of 100,000 gathered in support of
Palestine and specifically targeted the Israel-Premier Tech team. This team,
owned by Israeli-Canadian real estate developer Sylvan Adams, faced disruptions
throughout the race, including multiple stages shortened or rerouted, and a
general atmosphere of tension due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and
Hamas in Gaza.
Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard, who led the race going into
the final day, was declared the overall winner. However, the customary podium
ceremony was cancelled, and Vingegaard celebrated the victory in the rear of
his team vehicle rather than in front of fans.
Protests and clash with authorities
The protests saw moments of tension and clashes between
demonstrators and police, with reports of injuries on both sides and two
arrests. Protesters were heard chanting slogans such as "they will not
pass" while brandishing Palestinian flags and banners throughout the city
centre circuit, including prominent locations such as Gran Via. Police used tear
gas and water cannons in attempts to disperse the crowds but were overwhelmed
by the sheer scale of the demonstrations.
The disruption created hazards for cyclists, with some
suffering crashes as a direct result of the protests. Several riders voiced
frustration about the handling of the situation and expressed concerns about
safety and the integrity of the competition.
Spanish Prime Minister's comments and political division
Pedro Sanchez embraced the protests as an expression of a
"just cause" and stated at a Socialist party event that Spain stood as
"an example and a source of pride" given the scale of mobilisation
for Palestine. Sanchez expressed "deep admiration" for the
demonstrators and highlighted Spain's commitment to human rights, framing the
protests as part of a broader international solidarity movement.
However, Sanchez’s stance has been divisive within Spain.
The opposition Popular Party condemned the government’s reaction,
characterising it as embarrassment and a failure to maintain public order. Some
conservative politicians criticised the celebrations of protests that resulted
in violence and disruption.
Israel's sharp rebuke of Sanchez
Israel reacted strongly to Sanchez’s remarks and the race
disruptions. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the Prime Minister, calling
him and his administration "a disgrace to Spain." Saar accused
Sanchez of inciting the protests that led to the chaos at the Vuelta a España
by encouraging the pro-Palestinian mob to take to the streets. He said this
incitement had directly contributed to the destruction of a prestigious
sporting event.
Saar also referenced Sanchez's previous comments expressing
frustration that Spain did not possess nuclear weapons to halt Israeli military
actions in Gaza, further deepening tensions between the two nations.
Calls to ban Israel from international sports
Amplifying the geopolitical impact, Sanchez called for
Israel to be excluded from international sports events, drawing parallels to
the ban on Russian teams after the invasion of Ukraine. Sanchez declared that
Israel, "as long as the barbarism continues," should not participate
in any global competition. This call reflects a critical shift in Spain’s position
relating to Israel’s actions in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The Spanish Culture Minister also advocated for Israel’s
exclusion from the Eurovision Song Contest, supporting a broader campaign to
isolate Israel culturally and politically in response to the humanitarian
crisis in Gaza.
Impact on cycling and sport
The Vuelta a España, one of cycling’s Grand Tours,
experienced unprecedented disruption throughout this edition. The protests
created safety risks, forced route changes, and multiple stage cancellations.
Riders including Michal Kwiatkowski criticised the late decision-making by race
organisers and international cycling authorities, suggesting the growing risks
could have long-term negative effects on the sport’s reputation.
The final day’s cancellation denied riders and spectators
the traditional finish-line celebrations, marking an ignominious end to a race
marred by political activism and violence.
Broader diplomatic and political context
The incident at the Vuelta is symptomatic of heightened
international tensions linked to the Gaza conflict. Spain’s government has
taken a firmer stance against Israel in recent months, including implementing
arms embargoes and sanctioning Israeli goods from the West Bank following its
recognition of a Palestinian state last year.
Israel, in turn, has used sharp rhetoric against Spain’s leadership while defending its military operations as self-defensive measures. The Vuelta race disruption has become a flashpoint highlighting the intersections of international conflict, sports, and political expression on the global stage.