"If the UCI and the responsible bodies couldn't make the right decisions early enough, then long-term, it's very bad for cycling that the protesters managed to get what they wanted. From now on, it's clear that a cycling race can be used as an effective stage for protests and next time it will only get worse, because someone allowed it to happen and looked the other way."
"The three-week Vuelta a Espana, the final Grand Tour of 2025, was characterised by multiple pro-Palestine protests, which caused crashes that forced two riders to quit the race, several changes to stage finishes and distances, and the cancellations of podium ceremonies. A huge protest forced the abandonment of the final stage and the cancellation of all the planned celebrations. But it was also a glimpse of one possible future for World Tour road racing if the Israel-Premier Tech (IPT) team continues to compete."
Multiple pro-Palestine protests during the Vuelta a España exploded into street violence in central Madrid and disrupted the race. Protest actions caused crashes that forced two riders to quit, prompted several changes to stage finishes and distances, and led to cancellations of podium ceremonies and final-stage celebrations. Rival World Tour teams voiced dismay at Israel-Premier Tech's refusal to withdraw and at the UCI's failure to provide protection for commercial and sporting interests. Riders and teams cited increased policing costs, lost television audiences, disenchanted sponsors, and denied podium moments as consequences. Some teams now consider refusing to race against Israel-Premier Tech.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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