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Pro‑Palestinian Protests Force Vuelta Finale Cancellation in Madrid

A security breakdown with police clashes followed mass barrier breaches, reflecting tensions over the Israeli‑owned team.

Overview

  • Organizers ended the race and confirmed Jonas Vingegaard as the overall winner after the final stage in Madrid was called off.
  • Thousands of protesters entered the course on Gran Vía and near Atocha, overturning barriers and repeatedly halting the peloton.
  • Police carried out charges and used tear gas after multiple breaches, despite a deployment of more than 1,500 officers for the finale.
  • The demonstrations targeted Israel–Premier Tech and had already prompted shortened or interrupted stages and a rider vote to quit if safety was jeopardized.
  • Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised the protesters earlier in the day, drawing criticism from the opposition and deepening Spain’s dispute with Israel.