MADRID –The final stage of the 2025 Vuelta a España cycle race in Madrid was abandoned on Sunday after massive pro-Palestinian protests disrupted the event and forced organizers to call off the race before its scheduled finish. Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard, leading the race before the final stage, was declared the overall winner amidst the chaotic scenes as police clashed with thousands of demonstrators opposing the participation of the Israeli-owned Israel-Premier Tech team.
Protesters overturned metal barricades and occupied key points along the race route in central Madrid, particularly on the final circuit around Paseo del Prado and Gran Via, blocking the path of cyclists. Despite deployment of more than 1,500 police officers and the use of tear gas during clashes, demonstrators held their ground and continued throwing objects at law enforcement. The situation escalated, compelling race officials to terminate the event abruptly without the traditional podium ceremony.
The protests were fueled by opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and targeted the Israel-Premier Tech team, which had faced interruptions and threats of withdrawal in earlier stages due to similar demonstrations. Spain’s Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez publicly praised the protesters, calling their cause “just” and lending political support to the mobilizations, adding a charged and unprecedented political dimension to the race’s finale.
Vingegaard, a two-time Tour de France winner, secured his first Vuelta title and third Grand Tour victory overall under these unusual and tense circumstances. The race, spanning 21 stages over three weeks, had already seen several stages shortened or disrupted by protests before its final day in Madrid. The abrupt ending left an anti-climactic conclusion to the prestigious Spanish cycling event, highlighting how geopolitical conflicts spilled into the world of sports at the highest level.
The Vuelta organizers confirmed the safety concerns that led to the early conclusion and acknowledged the absence of the usual celebratory ceremonies for the riders and winners. Despite the disorder, the young Israeli rider Matthew Riccitello from Israel-Premier Tech earned the Best Young Rider recognition earlier in the race, marking a bittersweet achievement amid the tensions.
This incident marked the third major Vuelta stage in 2025 curtailed due to demonstrations, illustrating the intense intersection of sport and global politics and raising questions about the future of such events in politically charged climates. The cancellation underscored both the protest movement’s determination and the challenges faced by sporting bodies confronting geopolitical controversies on global platforms.
This historic disruption at the heart of Madrid closed the 2025 Vuelta a España in dramatic fashion, leaving an indelible mark on the race and its legacy.