Protests cancel Vuelta finale in Madrid
Vingegaard declared winner as Gaza rallies block race
Pro-Palestinian protests led to the abrupt cancellation of the Vuelta a España cycling race finale, with Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard declared the winner. Demonstrators, chanting "they will not pass," occupied the race route in Madrid, overturning barriers as police attempted to disperse them. The race organizers announced that the event could not proceed safely, resulting in the cancellation of the podium ceremony, leaving Vingegaard to celebrate in his team car.
Spain's Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed support for the protests, highlighting the mobilization for causes like Palestine. The demonstrations specifically targeted the Israel-Premier Tech team due to Israel's actions in Gaza, with some riders threatening to withdraw as routes were blocked, leading to falls.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has sparked global protests and disrupted various sporting events. Sanchez has been vocal in his criticism of Israel, labeling its actions as genocide, and recently announced a block on oil and arms to Israel. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Sanchez of antisemitism and making genocidal threats.
As the protests intensified, riot police clashed with demonstrators in central Madrid, where over 100,000 people gathered, blocking key streets and engaging in confrontations. Authorities deployed a significant police presence, but the scale of the protests exceeded their preparations, resulting in multiple blockades along the race route.
Despite the chaos, many protesters remained in central Madrid, chanting slogans and demanding solidarity with Gaza. Two arrests were made, and while dozens sustained injuries, none were reported as life-threatening. This incident marks a significant moment in the intersection of international sport and political protest, raising questions about how future events will navigate the balance between the right to protest and security concerns amid global conflicts.
