Pro-Palestinian Protests Disrupt Vuelta Final Stage

The final stage of the 2025 Vuelta a España was abandoned in Madrid after massive pro-Palestinian demonstrations overwhelmed security and spilled onto the racecourse.

Protesters stormed barriers on Gran Vía, filled the air with red and green smoke, and chanted slogans against Israel’s participation, forcing riders to halt 56 kilometers from the finish.

Jonas Vingegaard, wearing the red jersey, was declared overall champion for the first time, but organizers cancelled podium celebrations.

The Danish rider expressed disappointment, saying that “such a moment of eternity was taken from us.”

The protests, which authorities said drew more than 100,000 people, reflect Spain’s strong pro-Palestinian sentiment, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praising the movement while opposition leaders condemned the chaos as an international embarrassment.