Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Madrid, protesting an Israeli team’s participation in a major multiweek cycling race as well as the ongoing war in Gaza, forced the race to end early on Sunday.
Why It Matters
For days, the race passed through Spanish towns and cities lined with posters and flags that included messages accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, a claim the Israeli government has repeatedly denied. Demonstrators took issue with the Israel Premier Tech team’s inclusion in the race, prompting its riders to switch uniforms midway without the team’s name to be less identifiable.
The allegations are in response to Israel’s war in Gaza, which came after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages. Since then, Israel’s military ground and air campaigns in Gaza have killed over 64,000 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, displaced millions, and demolished much of the territory.
La Vuelta is a 21-day race and one of cycling’s three grand tours, along with the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia.
What To Know
Spanish authorities said Sunday that more than 100,000 people joined the pro-Palestinian protests, with some overturning barricades and blocking parts of the race route in Madrid as police pushed them back. Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard was confirmed the winner, but organizers scrapped the podium ceremony and other stage events.
Throughout the race, there have been several delays from protestors, with dozens having been detained. Some protesters reportedly threw objects at the police who responded with tear gas.
Organizers said the final stage “ended early to ensure the safety of the riders,” according to the Associated Press. There were around 30 miles left of the race.
The protests come amid growing international support to recognize the state of Palestine, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez having done so last year. Neighboring France has announced it will recognize Palestine as a state at the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly this month.
Protestors haven’t ended a Grand Tour race early since 1978 when La Vuelta was stopped by Basque separatists in San Sebastian, Spain.
What People Are Saying
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar wrote in an X post Sunday evening: “A few days ago, the President of the Spanish Government lamented not having an atomic bomb to ‘stop Israel’. Today he encouraged protesters to take to the streets. The pro-Palestinian mob heard the messages of incitement – and ruined the cycling race ‘La Vuelta’. In this way, the sporting event that has always been a source of pride for Spain was canceled. @sanchezcastejon and his government – a disgrace for Spain!”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said earlier Sunday at a rally, per Reuters: “Our respect and recognition for the athletes and our admiration for the Spanish people who are mobilizing for just causes like Palestine.”
Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard said on Sunday, per Reuters: “It’s a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us. I’m really disappointed about that.”
Madrid’s mayor, José Luis Martinez-Almeida, said in Spanish in an X post Sunday: “Violence has defeated sport, and I hold the Prime Minister of the Government responsible. Madrid has been overwhelmed by violence. They have managed to ruin the final stage of the Vuelta and give a shameful image of our country.”
What Happens Next?
Meanwhile, nearly 200 protestors lined the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal race on Sunday in protest of members of the Israel Premier Tech cycling team, CBC reported.
The war in Gaza and the territory’s future are expected to be major topics at the U.N. General Assembly later this month.
Read the full article here
