Authorities condemn unacceptable protests that spoiled Vuelta 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 and the International Cycling Union (UCI) delivered stern rebukes on Monday to protesters who forced the abandonment of the Vuelta a Espanas final stage, describing the chaotic scenes as 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 three kilometres from the finish line in Madrid.

Denmarks Jonas Vingegaard was declared the race winner after the stage was abandoned.

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

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

The protesters, unhappy about Israels actions in Gaza, chanted 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 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 said.