Spain's La Vuelta cut short again over protests against 'Israel'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 15:16

The prestigious La Vuelta a España race has been repeatedly disrupted by anti-"Israel" protests, with the latest stage cut short by demonstrators opposing the Israeli team’s participation.

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People holding Palestinian flags sit on the street after disrupting the eleventh stage of the Spanish Vuelta cycling race, from Bilbao to Bilbao, Spain, Wednesday, September 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)

The 16th stage of La Vuelta a España, Spain's prestigious cycling race, was cut short once again on Tuesday, September 9, due to widespread anti-"Israel" demonstrations across the Galicia region.

Race organizers ended the stage 8 kilometers before the original finish line in Castro de Herville, citing safety concerns as protesters entered the course and obstructed the route.

Demonstrations have persisted since August 27, with thousands of Spaniards expressing opposition to the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech team, owned by Sylvan Adams, a close associate of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Waving Palestinian flags and chanting “This is not a war, it’s genocide” and “Freedom for Palestine,” demonstrators filled the streets throughout multiple stages of the race.

In one incident, a tree was deliberately cut so that it falls across the route, while protesters breached security lines near the final stretch of the race, forcing an abrupt early conclusion.

Hoy, el pueblo gallego ha hecho historia denunciando el genocidio de Israel. Han suspendido el final de meta en la Vuelta por las protestas en solidaridad con el pueblo de Palestina. Muy grandes. pic.twitter.com/o1VMU56IHv
— Fonsi Loaiza (@FonsiLoaiza) September 9, 2025

"Due to a protest that obstructed the race, today’s stage will be concluded 8 kilometers before the finish line," said La Vuelta General Director Javier Guillen. Final standings were adjusted accordingly.

Earlier, on September 3, similar protests in Bilbao led organizers to end Stage 11 three kilometers early. During Stage 15, a demonstrator caused a crash involving Spanish cyclist Javier Romo and Belgian Edward Planckaert. 10 people were arrested on charges related to public disorder.

Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares previously said in an interview with Radio Nacional de España (RNE), that he was uncomfortable with the Israeli team's presence, saying, "I would favor its removal," while stressing that the decision ultimately is up to the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

Security concerns and stage cancellations continue

The disruptions have led to increased security measures. Activists even hacked a live race broadcast, replacing commentary with music in an act of digital protest.

In response to threats, the Israel-Premier Tech team has reportedly removed the word "Israel" from its uniforms.

La Vuelta is expected to conclude on September 14 in Madrid, with civil society groups preparing for what could be the largest protest yet.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, whose government recently adopted a nine-point sanctions package against "Israel", has publicly supported the removal of the Israeli team from the race.

Minister for Youth and Children, Sira Rego, also voiced her backing for the anti-"Israel" protests.

The ongoing demonstrations reflect deepening Palestinian solidarity among Spanish citizens and lawmakers, as public pressure continues to mount on both sporting and political institutions to sever ties with "Israel" over its ongoing war on Gaza.