Cycling classic with an unsightly end
Because of too strong protests: vuelta canceled prematurely
Updated on September 14, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.Reading time: 1 min.
The legendary Vuelta a España in Madrid should come to an end on Sunday. But the landing field should not even reach the capital.
The final stage of the 80th Tour of Spain was demolished prematurely due to the continuing protests Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Madrid. The organizers of the Vuelta announced this on Sunday evening, the field was still 56 kilometers before the finish.
Some drivers tried to drive around the demonstrators. A professional was captured by a demonstrator. There were also large groups in other places on the route that protested. Activists had previously occupied the route in the Spanish capital.
The protests are a central theme of this year’s tour of Spain. They relate to Israel’s procedure in the Gaza Strip. The demonstrators also criticize the Team Israel Prime Minister Tech, which has now been not named “Israel” on his jerseys. A single time trial had been shortened for security reasons. In several races, drivers were disturbed or the finish made.
The overall Jonas Vingegaard from Denmark had already expressed sharp criticism of the demonstrators’ approach a week and a half ago. “It’s a big shame. I could have won the stage. The police did a good job. When we first passed the finish line, we have already seen what’s going on,” he said after the eleventh stage at the TV station Eurosport.
The organizers should no longer get the situation under control, which now led to the demolition.