Spanish Vuelta Finale Cancelled After Madrid Police Clash Pro-Palestinian Protesters

The final stage of Spain's Vuelta a España cycling race was cancelled after police clashed with pro-Palestinian protesters in Madrid, who blocked the race route and used smoke bombs, leading to multiple interruptions. Over 1,500 police officers, including those on horseback and in riot gear, were deployed to manage the protests, which were fueled by opposition to the Israeli-owned team Premier Tech participating in the event. The race had already experienced disruptions on six of the last ten days, including riders crashing due to protesters entering the road, and route adjustments made for safety concerns. Spain's left-wing government, sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, has recognized a Palestinian state and criticized Israel's military actions, escalating the race into a diplomatic battleground. Despite the disruptions, Jonas Vingegaard is poised to win the race, extending his lead before the final ceremonial ride into Madrid. Overall, the protests highlighted the intersection of sports and international political tensions within Spain.