Overview

• Organizers stopped the 21st stage roughly 50–60 kilometers from the finish, declared no stage winner, and confirmed Jonas Vingegaard as overall champion without a podium ceremony for security reasons.
• Authorities reported more than 100,000 demonstrators in Madrid with about 1,100–1,500 police deployed; tear gas was used, 22 officers were lightly injured, and two arrests were reported.
• Protesters broke barriers and occupied the route near the 8‑kilometer mark, earlier groups blocked the peloton, and one rider was briefly restrained by a demonstrator.
• Vuelta director Javier Guillén condemned the scenes as “absolutely unacceptable,” the UCI voiced concern about Spain’s ability to ensure safe conditions, and Tour de France boss Christian Prudhomme acknowledged security vulnerabilities ahead of the 2026 Barcelona Grand Départ.
• The demonstrations throughout the race targeted Israel–Premier Tech, prompting route changes and a shortened time trial, and team owner Sylvan Adams said organizers asked him to withdraw the squad, a request he refused.