The finale of Spain’s version of the Tour de France has been cancelled midway through after clashes between police and pro-Palestinian protesters in Madrid.
Some demonstrators carrying anti-Israel banners partly blocked the road and forced riders in the Spanish Vuelta to stop on Sunday evening.
The protesters threw barriers to block where the cyclists were supposed to pass on a finishing circuit in the Spanish capital.
Having at first been paused, the last leg of the race briefly resumed as police attempted to disperse the demonstrators but the riders were eventually forced to stop again as authorities and organisers discussed the situation.
Pic: AP
Protesters carrying Palestinian flags jeered as the teams’ support cars passed by them along the route.
There had been no major incidents as the riders set off on the 104kmfinal stage from the nearby Alalpardo.
The Vuelta sees over 180 cyclists spend three weeks pedaling 3,100km through the country’s backroads – and the Grand Tour event has this year turned into a diplomatic battleground.
Protesters block the road. Pic: AP
Pic: AP
More than 1,500 police officers were deployed for the final stage of the race, as officials anticipated protests.
Authorities said the heavy police presence would be deployed for the final stage on Sunday, to add to the 130 officers already traveling with the race.
Horse-riding police, officers in riot gear and military-type trucks were seen near the route.
Some 6,000 protesters were expected in Madrid, along with around 50,000 fans.
A heavy police presence in Madrid’s Atocha district before the final leg began. Pic: AP
Multiple stages of the Vuelta have been disrupted by protests against the presence of the Israeli-owned team Premier Tech, which earlier in the race removed the team name from its cyclists’ uniforms.
Protesters have often waved Palestinian flags along the race route. During one stage, a demonstrator with a flag tried to run onto the road ahead of two riders, causing them to crash.
Of the 10 days of racing up Sunday, six were cut short or interrupted with more than 20 people being detained by police.
Police officers stand between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrators on Sunday afternoon. Pic: Reuters
The route of the final stage was cut short by 5km over traffic concerns. Previous stages were altered because of safety concerns over the protests.
Spaniards are largely sympathetic to the Palestinian cause and Spain’s left-wing government is also highly critical of Israel’s military invasion into Gaza.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez joined Ireland and Norway in recognizing a Palestinian state last year.
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Cyclists pass through an area with pro-Palestinian protests on Saturday. Pic: AP
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In June last year, Spain became the first European country to ask a United Nations court for permission to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide.
Israel has denied genocide and defended its actions in Gaza, accusing Spain of standing with Hamas.
Jonas Vingegaard, from the Visma-Lease a Bike team, was set to win the three-week race after extending his lead over Joao Almeida before the mostly ceremonial ride into Madrid.
The UK’s Tom Pidcock entered the final stage in fourth place.
This story originally appeared on Skynews
