The finale of Spain’s version of the Tour de France, La Vuelta, has been cancelled midway due to clashes between police and pro-Palestinian protesters in Madrid. The event, which saw over one hundred and eighty cyclists compete over three weeks, was disrupted when demonstrators threw barriers onto the route as the cyclists were set to finish. Initially paused around six twenty local time, the race briefly resumed before organisers called off the event citing security reasons.

In an official statement, organisers confirmed that stage twenty-one of La Vuelta would not continue, and there would be no podium ceremony for the racers. Jonas Vingegaard was declared the winner of the race, having extended his lead over competitors prior to the finale.

The police presence was exceptionally high, with more than one thousand five hundred officers deployed. Authorities had anticipated large protests, with around six thousand demonstrators expected to gather in Madrid alongside approximately fifty thousand fans. Previous stages of the race had also been affected by protests against the Israeli-owned cycling team, Premier Tech.

Spain’s political climate has shown significant sympathy towards the Palestinian cause, with the government being critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had recognised a Palestinian state, reflecting the public sentiment that clouds the event. The situation has turned the Vuelta into a notable site for political expression amid the festivities of professional cycling.