The final stage of the Spanish Tour from Alalpardo to Madrid was stopped about 60 kilometers before the finish, as demonstrators supporting Palestine broke through barricades in several places on the final circuit in the center of Madrid.
Initially, it was unclear whether the race would reach Madrid at all, but the number of demonstrations in the city center made continuing highly unlikely. Later, organizers confirmed to Spanish television that the race had been abandoned. The riders were initially stopped a few kilometers before the 6.2 km long final circuit. However, after a short joint ride, they were stopped definitively.
The television footage showed barricades on the roads, race barriers scattered across the roadway, and protesters marching triumphantly along the finish straight.
The stage began as usual – with team congratulations, photos, and a calm pace – but initially without any obstacles. However, the race had to be diverted earlier from two suburbs, San Sebastian de los Reyes and Alcobendas, due to demonstrations taking place in their centers.
The situation at the finish line on Paseo de la Castellana, however, was much more serious – protesters were shouting and chanting and breaking through barriers. The riders were already starting to climb into team buses and leave the race venue.
This year's Vuelta has already seen stages repeatedly stopped or reorganized due to pro-Palestine protests. This is the first time since the 1978 Vuelta a España in San Sebastian that a major tour has been abandoned before the final stage due to political demonstrators.
Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) won the overall victory, ahead of João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates - XRG) and Thomas Pidcock (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team). Madis Mihkels (EF Education - EasyPost) finished in 126th place.
I would like to see all these dogs in Gaza tomorrow#LaVuelta25#VueltaRTVE14s
— 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙨 (@ferreras2018) September 14, 2025
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What we are experiencing in the #LaVuelta25 is ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE.
— JUPOL (@JupolNacional) September 14, 2025
But of course, they laughed it off after what happened in Bilbao, and today @sanchezcastejon has called for participation in protests... then this is what happens.
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