Cycling’s governing body the UCI has questioned Spain’s ability to safely host major sporting events after the final stage of the Vuelta a Espana was abandoned on Sunday.
Riders were stopped with 60km remaining after pro-Palestinian protesters knocked down barriers and occupied the road at several points on the course in central Madrid.
There were various protests against the Israel-Premier Tech team throughout this year’s Vuelta, prompting some stages to be shortened.
The UCI accused the Spanish government of “exploiting sport for political purposes” after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said before the final stage began that he admired the protesters.
“This position is contradictory to the Olympic values of unity, mutual respect, and peace,” the UCI said in a statement.
“It also calls into question Spain’s ability to host major international sporting events, ensuring that they take place in safe conditions and in accordance with the principles of the Olympic Charter.”
More than 1,000 police officers were deployed on the streets of the Spanish capital on Sunday, with demonstrations having been expected.
Riders had crashed as a result of some of the protests during the three-week race, with some saying they were worried for their safety.
Last week, Israel-Premier Tech began racing in modified jerseys which did not display their team name.
The UCI praised organisers for reacting “quickly and calmly” and acting with “exemplary professionalism” to ensure the earlier stages of the race were able to continue.
The protests come in the wake of the Israeli military launching a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
At least 64,871 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
Madrid’s mayor, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, said on Sunday that Sanchez’s comments were to blame for causing the stage abandonment, while Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar called Sanchez and his government a “disgrace” to Spain.
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