Anti-Genocide Protests Halt Vuelta a España Finale in Madrid

Madrid (QNN)- The Vuelta a España ended in early on Sunday. Organizers canceled the final stage in Madrid after mass anti-genocide and pro-Palestine protests targeted the participation of Israel Premier Tech.

Thousands of demonstrators filled central Madrid, chanting against Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Some protesters broke through security fences and blocked the race route. Police deployed more than 1,000 officers but tensions ran high due ti the Israeli participation.

Organizers said it was unclear if the official award ceremony would go ahead. Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard was declared the overall winner of the three-week race.

Anti-genocidr protests have disrupted the race since stage five. Demonstrators repeatedly targeted the Israeli team, which includes former soldiers and represents a state responsible for genocide in Gaza.

Rallies forced organizers to shorten stages in Bilbao and Pontevedra earlier in the tour. In several cases, riders fell after colliding with protesters, despite tight security measures.

Israel Premier Tech, founded by Israeli-Canadian billionaire Sylvan Adams, has faced calls to withdraw. The team insisted on participation despite having only one Israeli rider on its roster.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez voiced support for the demonstrations. Speaking at a Socialist Party event in Málaga, he praised Spaniards for standing with Palestine.

“Today marks the end of the Vuelta,” Sánchez said. “We show respect for the athletes, and we also admire the Spanish people who are concerned with just causes like Palestine.”

On Saturday, protesters stormed barriers during the penultimate stage near Madrid. Riders were forced to reroute around them. By Sunday, crowds chanting “They shall not pass” overwhelmed the race finale, leaving organizers with no option but cancellation.

The Vuelta is Spain’s biggest cycling event. This year, it became a stage to show the widespread Spanish solidarity with Palestine.