Pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the streets of Madrid, hurling barriers onto the road and clashing with police during the concluding stage of the prestigious Spanish Vuelta cycling race. The three-week event, one of cycling's Grand Tours, ended abruptly on Sunday amid widespread disruptions, leaving riders, organizers, and spectators stunned.

Authorities reported two arrests and 22 injuries, all non-serious, from the confrontations near the city center's finish line. With about 50 kilometers left in the stage, organizers were forced to abandon the race as demonstrators, protesting the participation of the Israeli team Israel Premier Tech, breached police lines and blocked the course. The central government's Madrid representative estimated that around 100,000 people flooded the streets, turning the event into a scene of pandemonium.

“We deeply regret the incidents that marred the final stage of La Vuelta 25,” the Spanish Vuelta organizers stated late Sunday. “Despite our best efforts, we couldn’t complete the stage as intended due to these unfortunate events in Madrid.” Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard, who held the overall lead entering the final day, was officially declared the winner, but the traditional podium ceremony was scrapped amid the unrest.

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Vingegaard expressed disappointment over the lost moment of glory, saying, “It’s a shame that such an eternal achievement was overshadowed. Everyone has the right to protest, but not at the expense of endangering our race.” Riders later held an impromptu private ceremony to celebrate their efforts, salvaging a bit of joy from the turmoil.

This year’s Vuelta had been a powder keg of geopolitical tensions, with pro-Palestinian activists repeatedly interrupting stages to demand the expulsion of Israel Premier Tech. In one earlier incident, a flag-waving protester dashed onto the road, causing two riders to crash. Spain’s left-leaning government voiced support for the protesters and urged the team to withdraw voluntarily. In response, the team stripped its name from uniforms but persisted in the competition.

The disruptions drew sharp international criticism. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar lambasted Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for allegedly fueling the protests. Meanwhile, Madrid’s conservative mayor, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, decried the events as a “sad day” for the capital, blaming Sanchez’s leadership. The clashes highlight the growing intersection of sports and global politics, raising questions about security at major events and the challenges of hosting international competitions in polarized times.

As investigations into the protests continue, the Vuelta’s organizers are reviewing safety protocols for future races. The incident not only robbed the event of its triumphant close but also amplified calls for dialogue on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, even as it left the cycling community grappling with the fallout of blending athletics and activism.

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