Cycling: Final Stage of the Vuelta a Espana Abandoned
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
The final stage of the Vuelta a Espana was abandoned, on 14 September 2025, after pro-Palestinian demonstrators knocked down barriers and blocked part of the course in the centre of Madrid.
The competitors were stopped with around 60km to go as they arrived at the finishing circuit in Madrid, and there had also been various protests, throughout the competition, against the Israel-Premier Tech team, who were taking part, leading to some stages having to be shortened.
Also, some competitors had crashed as a result of the protests.
Jonas Vingegaard, the Danish cyclist, who led going into the 21st and final stage of the competition, was declared the winner,
There was no podium presentation for the overall winner or for the winners of the other race jerseys, prompting Vingegaard to remark:
"It's a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us.
I was looking forward to celebrating this overall win with my team and the fans. Everyone has the right to protest, but not in a way that influences or endangers our race."
Clashes continued after the competition was abandoned, with demonstrators throwing water bottles and other objects at the police!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
