Above photo: AP.
It’s A Genocide, Not A War.
Spanish police were overwhelmed by over 100,000 demonstrators protesting Israel’s participation in the race.
The final stretch of the Vuelta a Espana road cycling race was abandoned in Madrid on 14 September after over 100,000 pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted routes and forced organizers to call off the event.
Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard was declared the winner as police struggled to contain the demonstrations, overwhelmed by their large numbers.
“The race is over,” a spokesperson for the organizers told Reuters after barriers were overturned and crowds moved onto the course.
More than 1,000 officers were deployed across the capital, but confrontations escalated as protesters threw water bottles and other objects at police, chanting “It’s a genocide, not a war,” and the police responded with tear gas.
BREAKING: The final stage of La Vuelta, one of the world’s top cycling races, was CUT SHORT after violent anti-Israel mobs stormed the finish line—attacking cyclists over the presence of an Israeli team.
This is a global terrorist movement.
pic.twitter.com/cMmTmBAs8u— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) September 14, 2025
Spanish authorities said that 100,000 demonstrators had gathered for the rally, with the Interior Ministry reporting 22 injured officers and two arrests.
Earlier stages had also been disrupted in Bilbao and Galicia, with riders threatening to quit after crashes caused by route blockades.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who previously declared a full arms embargo on Israel, voiced admiration for the demonstrators, telling supporters at a Socialist Party rally in Malaga, “Today marks the end of the Vuelta. Our respect and recognition for the athletes and our admiration for the Spanish people who are mobilizing for just causes like Palestine. Spain today shines as an example and as a source of pride … taking a step forward in the defence of human rights.”
HAPPENING NOW in Galicia, Spain:
Protesters have successfully blocked Israel’s team from La Vuelta cycling race in solidarity with Palestine — demanding their immediate expulsion!
“Y no pasaron! / And they did not pass!”
🇪🇸 🇵🇸
— sarah (@sahouraxo) September 9, 2025
Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the conservative People’s Party, accused Sanchez of encouraging violence. “The government has allowed and induced the non-completion of La Vuelta, and thus, an international embarrassment that was televised around the world,” he stated.
Isabel Diaz Ayuso, the party’s regional president in Madrid, said the prime minister bore direct responsibility “for every incident that occurs, whether the race is stopped or whether there is a single assault.”
HISTÓRICO: Manifestantes detuvieron la Vuelta a España tras bloquear la carretera principal en el centro de Madrid en protesta por la participación de Israel en el evento. pic.twitter.com/ruMklsEOfu
— Palestina Hoy (@Palestinahoy01) September 14, 2025
Israel also condemned Sanchez, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar claiming the “pro-Palestinian mob heard the incitement messages – and wrecked the La Vuelta cycling race,” describing the government in Madrid as “a disgrace to Spain.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier praised the Israeli team, Israel-Premier Tech, for refusing to withdraw from the race, calling it a source of national pride.
The team is owned by Israeli-Canadian property developer Sylvan Adams, a senior figure in the World Jewish Congress who has described himself as committed to promoting Israel’s global image.
