The final stage of the Tour of Spain from Alpargatas to Madrid was stopped about 60 kilometers before the finish line as pro-Palestinian protesters broke through barricades at several points to reach the final loop in central Madrid.
It was initially unclear whether the race would even reach Madrid, but the number of protests in the city centre made it highly unlikely that it would continue. The organisers later confirmed to Spanish television that the race had been abandoned. The riders were initially stopped a few kilometres before the 6.2km final lap. After a short ride together, they were finally stopped.
Television footage showed barricades on the roads, race barriers spread across the roadway, and protesters marching triumphantly along the finish line.
The stage started as usual – with team congratulations, photos and a leisurely pace – but initially without any problems. However, the race had to be diverted early on from two suburban towns, San Sebastian de los Reyes and Alcobendas, due to demonstrations taking place in their centres.
The situation at the finish line on Paseo de la Castellana was much more serious, with protesters shouting and chanting and breaking through barriers. Riders were already starting to climb into team buses and leave the race venue.
This year's Vuelta has previously seen stages halted or rearranged due to pro-Palestinian protests. This is the first time since the 1978 Vuelta a España in San Sebastian that a grand tour has been interrupted before the final stage due to political protesters.
The overall victory went to Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike), ahead of João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates - XRG) and Thomas Pidcock (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team). Madis Mihkels (EF Education - EasyPost) finished 126th.
A todos estos perros me gustaría verlos mañana en Gaza #LaVuelta25 #VueltaRTVE14s
— 𝑩𝐀𝐀𝐀𝐀𝐈𝐀 (@ferreras2018) September 14, 2025
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Lo que estamos viviendo en la #LaVuelta25 es ABSOLUTAMENTE INADMISIBLE.
— JUPOL (@JupolNacional) September 14, 2025
Pero claro, les rieron las gracias tras lo de Bilbao, y hoy mismo @sanchezcastejon ha hecho un llamamiento a participar en las protestas… luego pasa lo que pasa.
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