In Photos: Spanish PM Hails Pro-Palestinian Vuelta Protests

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Spanish Vuelta Race — Pro-Palestinian protesters wave flags and shout as the peloton rides by in Poio at the start of the 16th stage of the Vuelta a Espana, a 172 km race between Poio and Castro de Herville

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his pride on Sunday, praising the pro-Palestinian protests that have significantly affected the Vuelta a Espana. These large demonstrations now await the race’s final stage in Madrid, with protesters specifically targeting the Israel-Premier Tech team, disrupting several stages of one of cycling’s three grand tours amid the devastating war in Gaza. Consequently, this activism cast doubt on whether the 21-day race could be completed.

Pro-Palestinians protesters wave Palestinian flags as riders take the start of the 17th stage of the Vuelta a Espana, a 143 km race between O Barco de Valdeorras and Alto de El Morredero, Ponferrada

People hold Palestinian flags during the eleventh stage of the Spanish Vuelta cycling race, from Bilbao to Bilbao, Spain

Protests Disrupt Race

The activism has frequently forced organizers to shorten some stages, and demonstrators occasionally bursting onto the course have caused crashes, prompting criticism from many observers, who argue the actions threaten rider safety and harm Spain’s international image.

Pro-Palestinians protesters demonstrate as cyclists compete during the 18th stage of the Vuelta a Espana, a 26 km race against the clock between Valladolid and Valladolid

In response to the growing debate, Sanchez made his first public comments, expressing “recognition and full respect for the athletes.” He added, “we also have admiration for a people like Spain’s which mobilises for just causes, like Palestine.”

The pack rides as Pro-Palestinians protesters hold Palestinian flags during the 20th stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2025, a 156 km race between Robledo de Chavela and Bola del Mundo, in El Escorial

He told a Socialist party gathering in Malaga that “Spain today shines as an example and as a source of pride, an example to an international community where it sees Spain taking a step forward in the defence of human rights.” Several members of the leftist government have publicly supported the movement in a country where support for the Palestinian cause remains strong.

Guardia Civil officers stand as Pro-Palestinians protesters hold Palestinian flags and letters reading ‘Free Palestine’ during the 20th stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2025, a 156 km race between Robledo de Chavela and Bola del Mundo, in El Escorial

Pier-Andre Cote from the Israel Premier Tech team rides during the eleventh stage of the Spanish Vuelta cycling race, from Bilbao to Bilbao, Spain

Heightened Security in Madrid

Authorities have significantly ramped up security for Sunday’s final stage in Madrid, with the race organizers slightly shortening the stage and deploying 1,100 police officers across the Spanish capital. Protesters briefly breached reinforced security and attempted to block the road during the penultimate stage in the Guadarrama mountains outside Madrid on Saturday, forcing cyclists to swerve around them.

The leader of the conservative opposition Popular Party, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, lashed out on X at the protest, which he said “created such a shameful image.” He added, “Instead of ministers encouraging it, the government should condemn, denounce and prevent it.”