Overview

• Organizers ended the Madrid stage early with no podium ceremony, citing rider safety as Spanish authorities reported more than 100,000 protesters on the circuit.
• Seven of the last 11 days were disrupted by actions that included banners on the course, barriers dragged into the road, and tacks and nails thrown, causing stops and some crashes.
• Israel–Premier Tech removed the word “Israel” from its jersey before Stage 14 but stayed in the race as some riders and teams reportedly urged its withdrawal.
• The UCI issued a formal condemnation of using sport for political purposes, while critics and activists framed the campaign as opposition to perceived sportswashing.
• Responses ranged from praise of demonstrators by Spain’s prime minister to warnings from riders and teams that the disruptions set a dangerous precedent and raise governance questions for future events.