Israel-Premier Tech’s Presence Sparks Massive Protest at Spain’s Vuelta Finale
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The final stage of Spain’s prestigious Vuelta a España cycling race was abandoned on Sunday after tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Madrid disrupted the event in protest against the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech team.
Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard was declared the overall winner after organizers confirmed the race would not continue.
“The race is over,” a spokesperson told Reuters.
Crowds estimated at 100,000 surged onto the streets of the Spanish capital, breaking through barriers and blocking the route as police clashed with protesters.
Officers used tear gas in attempts to disperse the demonstrations.
Protests have repeatedly targeted the Israel-Premier Tech team, owned by Israeli-Canadian property developer Sylvan Adams, over Israel’s ongoing war on Palestinians in Gaza.
Adams, also a senior figure in the World Jewish Congress, has openly promoted Israel’s international image.
The disruptions followed weeks of escalating actions.
Stage 11 in Bilbao was neutralized after a blockade, while stage 16 in Galicia was shortened when hundreds of protesters confronted police along the course.
More than 1,000 police officers were deployed to secure the Madrid finale, but the race could not proceed.
Organizers had previously discussed whether Israel-Premier Tech should withdraw for the safety of other riders, amid growing criticism in Spain where solidarity with Palestine is strong.
Spanish Sports Minister Pilar Alegría has argued that Israeli teams should be barred from global competitions, comparing the situation to restrictions on Russian teams after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
She said allowing Israeli participation revealed a “double standard.”
The Spanish government recently recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv and banned two far-right Israeli ministers from entering the country.
Last year, Spain officially recognized a Palestinian state.
At a Socialist Party rally in Malaga, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised the demonstrations.
“Our respect and recognition [is] for the athletes and our admiration for the Spanish people who are mobilizing for just causes like Palestine,” he said.
“Spain today shines as an example and as a source of pride, an example to an international community where it sees Spain taking a step forward in the defense of human rights.”
