How a pro-Palestine rally canceled the final stage

The final stage of the Vuelta a España was canceled after pro-Palestinian protesters successfully blocked the peloton of cyclists this afternoon in Madrid. The peloton was stopped 43 kilometers from the finish line, near the Royal Palace in the Spanish capital. In an official statement, the Vuelta a España organizers explained that the stage was canceled "for security reasons " and clarified that "there will be no podium ceremony," where cyclist João Almeida was scheduled to receive his silver medal .

Around 6:00 pm local time (5:00 pm in Lisbon), protesters invaded the cycling route near Atocha and Gran Vía streets, prompting police intervention. In Cíbeles, 200 meters from the finish line, about a hundred protesters tore down the barriers protecting the road where the cyclists would arrive. Riot police responded with a charge, according to El País .

A team of around 1,500 police officers was mobilized to ensure the route's security, following planned demonstrations primarily aimed at supporting the Israeli team Israel-Premier Tech's participation in the race. Early in the afternoon, before the cyclists entered the city, many protesters were already shouting that what was happening in Gaza "is not a war, it's genocide."

Before protesters took to the streets and the police were called in, the Spanish prime minister expressed his support for those demonstrating in Spain for Palestine. During a PSOE event in Málaga, Pedro Sánchez expressed "absolute recognition and respect for the athletes, but also for a people like the Spanish who mobilize for just causes like Palestine ."

These statements are being used by the opposition to blame the Spanish prime minister for what happened. Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accuses the government of "allowing and inducing the non-completion of the Vuelta a España and, thus, [having caused] a ridiculous moment broadcast on television around the world." The PP president said he defends freedom of expression "as long as it does not involve violence or altercations" and adds: "I do not support Hamas. Much less do I want their applause."

The president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Ayuso, blamed Sánchez for "encouraging" the "boycott of the Vuelta." The president of the Madrid council, José Luíz Martínez-Almeida, said the disturbances portrayed Spain as "shameful." "Violence has triumphed over sport, and I hold the prime minister responsible for that," he said.

The police union JUPOL also issued a statement regarding the race's suspension, saying that "some are to blame for the violence," but adding that "political officials have called for protests." Spokesperson Ibón Domínguez said the union had warned last Friday that it was "impossible to guarantee the safety of the route."

Meanwhile, after the clashes, Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz posted a message on social media "supporting the mobilizations for the Palestinian people." Without expressing regret, the Minister of Labor and Economy, a former leader of the Sumar party, said that "Spanish society will not tolerate the genocide in Gaza being normalized in sporting and cultural events" and argued that "Israel cannot participate in any event" in the country.