Vuelta boss condemns unacceptable protests that derailed race finale

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FILE PHOTO: Pro-Palestinian protesters occupy the route of the Vuelta a Espana after overturning metal barriers disrupting the final stage, which was cancelled by organisers, in Madrid, Spain September 14, 2025. REUTERS/Bruna Casas/ File Photo

MADRID - The head of Spains premier cycling race delivered a stern rebuke on Monday to protesters who forced the abandonment of the Vuelta a Espanas final stage, calling the chaotic scenes absolutely unacceptable.

Javier Guillen, the races general manager, faced reporters a day after pro-Palestinian demonstrations targeting the Israel-Premier Tech team brought Sundays finale to a grinding halt just three kilometres from the finish line in Madrid.

I want to express my regret, but especially condemn what happened in the last stage of the Vuelta a Espana, Guillen said at his press conference in the Spanish capital.

The images speak for themselves. I believe that everything that happened is absolutely unacceptable.

The protests, which the demonstrators said was sparked by Israels actions in Gaza, saw them chanting they will not pass as they overturned metal barriers and occupied the race route.

Two people were arrested and 22 police officers injured, according to the Spanish government.

Guillen insisted race organisers had tried to accommodate peaceful demonstrations throughout the three-week tour, but the safety of the cyclists ultimately forced their hand.

What happened was that, about three kilometres from the finish line, there was another invasion of the road in which riders fell to the ground, he explained.

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