Vuelta a España Final Stage Abandoned Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests

Posted : 15 September 2025

The final stage of the Vuelta a España was called off after pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked sections of the course in central Madrid. Protesters toppled barriers and occupied the road at several points, including Gran Vía, where cyclists were scheduled to pass multiple times.

More than 1,000 police officers had been deployed in anticipation of potential demonstrations.

Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard, who led the race heading into the 21st and final stage, was declared the overall winner, earning his first Vuelta title.

The two-time Tour de France champion was joined on the podium by Joao Almeida of UAE Team Emirates-XRG in second place and Britain’s Tom Pidcock of Q36.5 Pro Cycling in third.

Tradition in Grand Tours dictates that rivals rarely challenge the leader on the final day, adding context to the official results.

Riders were halted with roughly 60 kilometers remaining as they entered Madrid’s finishing circuit, forcing the stage to be abandoned. The Vuelta has faced multiple protests targeting the Israel-Premier Tech team this year, causing some stages to be shortened.

These demonstrations have also contributed to crashes and raised safety concerns among riders. Last week, Israel-Premier Tech began racing in modified jerseys that omitted the team’s name. There was no podium ceremony for Vingegaard or the other jersey winners.

“It’s a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us,” Vingegaard said. “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.” Clashes continued after the race, with protesters throwing bottles and other objects at police.

Organizers had already shortened the final stage from 111.6 km to 103.6 km, though they did not provide a reason for removing the section that would have passed through Madrid’s upscale Aravaca neighborhood.

Cycling journalist Brian Smith noted to BBC Sport that race officials had anticipated potential disruptions after a previous protest in Bilbao, and riders were aware of the risks but still voted to continue into Madrid.

The protests followed Israel’s military campaign in Gaza after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which left approximately 1,200 people dead and 251 hostage. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, at least 64,871 people have since been killed in Israeli attacks.

Before the final stage, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed admiration for the protesters, praising their mobilization for Palestine.

Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida blamed Sánchez for instigating the demonstrations, calling the day “the saddest” of his mayoralty. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the Spanish government, accusing Sánchez of encouraging protesters and disrupting the race.

Vuelta a España Final Stage Abandoned Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests

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