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Vuelta Final Abandoned After Mass Pro‑Palestinian Protest in MadridVingegaard Declared Champion

The chaos has triggered scrutiny of cycling’s security protocols, including rules that kept Israel–Premier Tech in the race.

Overview

  • Organizers cut the last stage short with roughly 50–60 kilometers remaining after protesters breached barriers and blocked the Madrid city circuit.
  • Authorities reported two arrests and 22 injured police officers as the government’s Madrid delegate estimated about 100,000 people in the streets.
  • Jonas Vingegaard was confirmed as overall winner, the Plaza de Cibeles podium was canceled, and teams held an improvised celebration in a parking area.
  • Race director Javier Guillén called the course invasion “absolutely unacceptable” and said entry decisions followed UCI regulations, adding that cycling bodies will review preventive measures.
  • Spain’s prime minister praised peaceful protesters and urged a sporting ban on Israel, Israeli officials condemned his stance, and some rival teams are reportedly weighing boycotts of events involving Israel–Premier Tech.