Protesters chanting “they will not pass” overturned metal barriers and occupied the Vuelta (Tour of Spain) route at several points in Madrid as police attempted to push them back.
Two people were arrested and 22 police officers were injured, the Spanish government said.
“The race is over,” said a spokesperson for the organisers, who also cancelled the podium ceremony, leaving Vingegaard celebrating in the back of his team car.
Earlier, Spain’s Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed “admiration for the Spanish people mobilising for just causes like Palestine” by protesting during the race.
Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar posted on X that Sanchez and his government were “a disgrace to Spain.”
“Today he encouraged demonstrators to take to the streets. The pro-Palestinian mob heard the incitement messages – and wrecked the La Vuelta cycling race.”
The demonstrations have targeted the Israel-Premier Tech team over Israel’s actions in Gaza. Some riders had threatened to quit last week as routes were blocked, causing some falls.
Israel’s war against the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has sparked protests globally and affected several sporting events. (Reuters)
