The Vuelta director condemns pro-Palestinian protests that disrupted the race

On Monday, Javier Guillen, director of the Spanish cycling race Vuelta, strongly condemned the pro-Palestinian protesters who targeted Team Israel-Premier Tech, knocked down barriers, and blocked the route three kilometers before the finish line. He described the incident as “absolutely unacceptable.”

According to the Spanish government, two people were arrested and 22 police officers were injured. Guillen said the safety of the riders had been seriously compromised after some of them fell onto the road. As a result, the organizers abandoned the stage and declared Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard the winner.

Guillen emphasized that peaceful demonstrations had been allowed during the three-week tour. “We respect the right to protest, but we also demand respect for the race and our athletes,” he said.

When asked whether Team Israel-Premier Tech should have been allowed to participate at all, he replied that the organizers strictly adhered to the rules of the International Cycling Union (UCI). Only this institution decides on the admission or exclusion of teams.

(reuters, est)