Vingegaard wins Vuelta after final stage cancelled amid pro-Palestinian protests in Madrid | Vuelta a España
The last stage of Vuelta A España was abandoned in chaotic and violent scenes, after the pro -Palestinian protesters groups on Sunday after dipping the finish line and presentation podium in the center of Madrid.
While the big crowds swallowed the finish area, the rest of the racing leader Jonas Vinggegaard, Visma Rental-A-Bicycle Set and the rest of the peloton were forced to compete more than 55km in the 21st stage. In an official statement, Vuelta organizers said: “For the reasons for security, the 21st stage of La Vuelta, the pod seremi did not end early.”
The Spanish media claimed that approximately 3,000 protesters were on the end line and that there were violent changes between the police and protesters. Security sources, the Spanish media “obstacles and bottles of protesters to get fees,” he said. The Spanish government said that more than 100,000 people were at the rally in Madrid.
After days of voice protests for the leading technology team of Israel, the city was brought to Madrid to secure the last stage in the biggest security operation since the city hosted a NATO summit in 2022.
As the security forces lost control of the situation, a large protestor crowd pushed the racing barriers close to Plaza de Colón and Gran Vía. Police blamed some of the protesters and fired tears, but the race route was overwhelmed.
When Peloton came to Madrid, the rear riders were postponed to compete 56km and were also pushed by protesters holding anti -Israeli posters. Race organizers then stopped the front of the race and long discussions with Guardia Civil led to a decision to cancel the stage.
Soon after, a Glum -looking Vinggegaard shared a silent celebration hand -shared hands with his teammates as he moved directly to the team hotel.
Before the stage, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his “admiration için for demonstrators. Málaga’da speaking and said: uz We want to express our gratitude and absolute respect to athletes, and we also express our admiration for the Spanish people who mobilized for reasons such as Palestine. ”
Israel Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said: “Encouraged the protesters to take the streets. The pro -Palestinian mafia listened to provocative messages and attacked La Vuelta. The sport event, which is always a source of pride for Spain, was canceled. Sánchez and government: Shame in Spain!”
The collapse of the third largest largest round of the year threw the world tour race into crisis and continued with the presence of the leading technology team of Israel approved by Benjamin Netanyahu, the object of the recently angry protest groups on the side of the road.
A week ago, as the pressure of the billionaire entrepreneur Sylvan Adams, Netanyahu said: “It is a great job because it does not give hatred and intimidation to Sylvan and Israel’s bicycle team. Israel is proud!”
The disruptions in the three -week race affected multiple stages and led to the cancellation of planned stage coverings and shortening the racing distance.
Vinggegaard, who spoke to the Denmark media last Monday, said the protests: “People do it for a reason. What is currently terrible and I think they are doing it here, because they need a forum to be heard.”
Tour de France Grand department takes place in Barcelona in July next year, and Spanish protest groups are aiming for the French race. The Palestinian campaign for Israel’s academic and cultural boycott told the Swiss media to the Swiss media, “The end of the genocide is the end of the genocide.”
Last week, the civil disobedience group Futuro Vedal said that “it is very likely to protest in Barcelona, and that“ Tour de France protest is that we can do at least ”.
Despite the cancellation of the scene, Vinggegaard still won the second place from the Portuguese João Almeida. After winning in Tour de France in 2022 and 2023, Dane was the third Grand Tour victory of Dane. Tom Pidcock, a double Olympic gold medal on the mountain bike, took its first Grand Tour podium and came third third. The planned podium ceremony and the last presentation ceremony were canceled.
