The year\u2019s third and final grand tour, which concluded in Madrid<\/a> on Sunday, was repeatedly affected by large pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The protests initially targeted Israel Premier-Tech, a team participating in the race which is owned by a Canadian-Israeli billionaire, before spilling over into wider protests at Israel\u2019s conduct in Gaza.<\/p>\n Protesters blocked roads on multiple stages and brought down two riders in crashes, with one forced to abandon the race. The demonstrations forced some stage routes to be shortened to avoid further disruption, as well as the cancellation of stage 11, which had been due to finish in Bilbao, and the final stage into Madrid. <\/p>\n The riders stopped with around 60km of the stage left to race and later conducted a makeshift podium ceremony, with the usual celebrations and ceremony cancelled after protesters overran the finish area and clashed with police. <\/p>\n The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI<\/a>), cycling\u2019s governing body, released a statement on Monday expressing its \u201ctotal disapproval of and deep concern\u201d over the protests. <\/p>\n It condemned \u201cmilitant actions\u201d including protesters throwing urine and \u201cendangering\u201d riders, and thanked the race organisers for their \u201cexemplary professionalism\u201d in trying to ensure the race could continue. Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), who also run the Tour de France among several other races, organise the Vuelta. <\/p>\n \u201cThe repeated acts that affected a significant number of stages constitute a serious violation of the Olympic Charter and the fundamental principles of sport,\u201d the UCI statement continued.<\/p>\n It went on to \u201cregret\u201d comments made by the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez<\/a>, and his government, saying they \u201cexpressed their admiration for the demonstrators\u201d.<\/p>\n open image in gallery<\/p>\n Protesters broke down barriers and invaded the finish area on stage 21 into Madrid (AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n The statement continued: \u201cThis position is contradictory to the Olympic values of unity, mutual respect, and peace. It also calls into question Spain’s ability to host major international sporting events, ensuring that they take place in safe conditions and in accordance with the principles of the Olympic Charter.<\/p>\n \u201cThe UCI strongly condemns the exploitation of sport for political purposes in general, and especially coming from a government. Sport must remain autonomous to fulfil its role as a tool for peace. It is unacceptable and counterproductive for our sport to be diverted from its universal mission.\u201d<\/p>\n Sanchez, who has been a vocal critic of Israel\u2019s war on Gaza, told a rally in Malaga before the final stage: \u201cOur respect and recognition for the athletes and our admiration for the Spanish people who are mobilising for just causes like Palestine.\u201d <\/p>\n Sanchez went further on Monday, saying, \u201cAs long as the barbarism continues, Israel can\u2019t use any international platform to whitewash its presence. And I think that sports organisations need to ask themselves whether it\u2019s ethical for Israel to keep taking part in international competitions.\u201d Israel Premier-Tech is a privately owned entity.<\/p>\n open image in gallery<\/p>\n A pro-Palestinians protestor waves a Palestinian flag after the protestors invaded the street during the 21st and last stage of the Vuelta a Espana (AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n That stance has not gone down well with the governing body, with the UCI\u2019s inflammatory statement instead raising questions over whether Spain is fit to host sporting events. <\/p>\n The 2026 Tour de France is set to begin in Barcelona, with activist groups already saying they will target the race. The 2030 football World Cup, which will require another huge security operation, will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. <\/p>\n The UCI concluded its statement by thanking Spanish law enforcement for their role in keeping the race going, as well as the \u201ccommitment and resilience\u201d of the Vuelta organisers, and congratulating race winner Jonas Vingegaard<\/a> on his achievement. <\/p>\n Race organiser Javier Guillen said on Monday: \u201cWhat happened yesterday was absolutely unacceptable, I regret the image it gave and it should not be repeated. I don’t think we can take anything good out of what happened yesterday.<\/p>\n open image in gallery<\/p>\n There were violent clashes between police and demonstrators in Madrid (AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n \u201cIt’s fine for people to take advantage of the Vuelta to make their statement, but we also demand respect for the race.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Protesters](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/CYCLING-ESP-VUELTA-DEMO-hpywke47.jpeg\")
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