Vuelta a España Protests Disrupt Race Route, Raise Abandonment Questions
Pro-Palestinian protests have repeatedly disrupted the Vuelta a España, prompting stage reductions, rider safety concerns, and questions over an early finish in Madrid.
The Vuelta a España faces repeated disruptions as pro-Palestinian protests interrupt stages and raise safety concerns for riders.
Organisers insist there is “no Plan B” and are determined to finish in Madrid on Sunday despite shortened stages and security challenges.
Protests and Race Interruptions
- Stage 5: Israel-Premier Tech riders collide with a makeshift barrier in the team time trial.
- Stage 10: Simone Petilli crashes after protesters rush onto the road in the Pyrenees.
- Stage 11: Finish line is moved 3km early in Bilbao as protesters push over barriers.
- Stage 13: Breakaway riders are halted by protesters before Alto d’Angliru.
- Stage 15: Javier Romo crashes following two protesters crossing the road; he abandons the race.
- Stage 16: Final times recorded 8km from the finish after a large demonstration.
- Stage 18: Time trial cut from 27.2km to 12.2km with extra security.
Israel-Premier Tech Under Siege
The Israel-Premier Tech team, co-owned by Canadian-Israeli businessman Sylvan Adams, has become the focus of protests. Adams, a self-styled ambassador for Israel, has close ties to the Israeli government. The team, founded as Israel Cycling Academy in 2014, joined the World Tour in 2020 and fields top riders including four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome and recent Tour of Britain winner Stephen Williams.
The squad suffered the loss of Derek Gee days before the Vuelta after he requested contract termination for unspecified reasons. Legal disputes are ongoing between Gee and the team.
Organisers' Options
Vuelta technical director Kiko Gonzalez has urged the Israel-Premier Tech team to withdraw for safety: “Their presence does not promote security.” The team warns that quitting would set a “dangerous precedent,” and organizers say they are deploying additional police to ensure a safe environment.
With four stages remaining, including a decisive mountain challenge, an early finish would be unprecedented but the ongoing protests continue to cast doubt over the race's completion.
The Vuelta a España’s continuation now hinges on balancing rider safety and the protestors’ impact as organisers vow to reach Madrid.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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