MADRID (AP) — Spanish authorities say more than 100,000 people took part in the latest pro-Palestinian protests that interrupted the final stage of the Spanish Vuelta and forced organizers to cut short the Grand Tour event on Sunday, capping a campaign of disruptions.
The central government’s representative for the Madrid region said that authorities estimated more than 100,000 people joined Sunday’s protests. The number could not be independently verified.
Fran Martín Aguirre added that two people were detained by police.
“Visma-Lease a Bike” rider Jonas Vingegaard was confirmed as the overall winner of the three-week cycling race.
There were clashes between police and protesters near the route finale in Madrid. Some protesters carrying anti-Israel banners partly blocked the road and forced riders to stop.
There was no stage winner and the podium ceremony was called off because of security concerns. Organizers said the final stage “ended early to ensure the safety of the riders.”
“Due to the protests in Madrid, the race ended earlier than planned and there will be no podium ceremony,” race officials said.
There were about 50 kilometers (31 miles) left on the 21st stage that was a mostly ceremonial ride into Madrid.
Vingegaard had extended his overall lead over João Almeida on Saturday with a lead of 1 minute, 16 seconds over Almeida.
It was Vingegaard’s third Grand Tour title, adding to his pair of Tour de France titles won in 2022 and 2023.
Police escort
Riot police clash with pro-Palestinian demonstrators disrupting the final stage of La Vuelta cycling race on Sept. 14, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. Protesters blocked key sections of the city center to oppose the participation of the Israel Premier Tech team, denouncing Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Diego Radames/Anadolu via Getty Images
The protesters threw barriers onto the road on a finishing circuit in the Spanish capital. Riders had been expected to do nine laps on the circuit.
Several hundred protesters stayed on the road where the race was supposed to pass by. Anti-Israel banners were also hung from nearby buildings. The protests continued well into the evening in Madrid, most of them peaceful.
Earlier, protesters threw objects at police and officers used teargas to try to disperse the crowds. Spanish media reported that authorities said 20 people were injured and at least two people were detained.
The race had resumed briefly Sunday after riders were originally told by race organizers to stop because of the protests, but they eventually had to stop again as authorities and organizers discussed the situation.
Police escorted the riders as they left the track.
Protesters carrying Palestine flags jeered when the teams’ support cars passed by them along the route.
Police in riot gear had confronted protesters at different points along the route. More than 1,500 police officers had been deployed ahead of the last stage.