MADRID (AP) – Pro-Palestinian protesters created chaos during the final stage of the Spanish Vuelta, which took place in Madrid. The three-week cycling event was disrupted as demonstrators threw barriers onto the road and clashed with police, leading to a significant escalation of tension during the race's conclusion. Authorities reported that two people were arrested and 22 others were injured; fortunately, none of the injuries were serious. The confrontations occurred near the finish line in the city center on Sunday, prompting the organizers to abandon the race with approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) still to be completed. The protests were specifically aimed at opposing the participation of the Israeli team, Israel Premier Tech, in the event. According to the government's representative for the Madrid region, around 100,000 people participated in the protests. In a statement issued late Sunday, the Spanish Vuelta organizers expressed their regret over the events that transpired during the final stage. They indicated that despite their best efforts, it was not possible to conclude the stage as planned due to the unfortunate incidents that unfolded in Madrid. Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard, who was leading the overall classification ahead of the final stage, was ultimately declared the winner of the Vuelta. However, the typical podium ceremony was canceled due to the unrest. Vingegaard expressed disappointment that a celebratory moment was overshadowed by the protests, stating, "It's a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us. Everyone has the right to protest, but not in a way that influences or endangers our race." Reportedly, the teams managed to hold a private podium ceremony later to allow riders to celebrate their achievements. The 2025 edition of the Spanish Vuelta became a significant diplomatic battleground, as pro-Palestinian demonstrators interrupted several stages before ultimately focusing on the finale. They called for the expulsion of Israel Premier Tech from the competition. In one notable incident, a protester carrying a Palestinian flag attempted to run onto the course, resulting in two riders crashing. The situation drew political commentary from Spain's left-wing government, which expressed sympathy towards the protesters and suggested that Israel Premier Tech should consider withdrawing from the race. Although the team removed its name from its uniforms, it chose to stay until the race's conclusion, showcasing the complex dynamics at play. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar openly criticized Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, accusing him of encouraging the protests. Meanwhile, Madrid's conservative mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, also condemned Sánchez's stance and described the day's events as a disheartening moment for the capital. The chaos surrounding the Spanish Vuelta highlights the intersection of sports and politics in contemporary society, reflecting the ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on global issues. Protests like these raise questions about the place of political expression in sporting events and the implications of such actions for participants and organizers alike.