The Spanish Vuelta cycling race, typically a showcase of athletic prowess and scenic Spanish countryside, has become an unexpected epicenter of global political tension. Over the past ten days, anti-Israel protests have repeatedly disrupted the 2025 edition of Spain’s premier cycling event, transforming the race into a stage for activism, diplomatic posturing, and heated debate far beyond the world of sports.
On September 13, 2025, the drama reached a crescendo during the penultimate stage—a grueling 165-kilometer mountain trek ending atop the daunting Bola del Mundo. Jonas Vingegaard, already a two-time Tour de France champion, powered away from his rivals to secure a commanding lead, virtually guaranteeing his third Grand Tour title. Yet, it wasn’t just the Danish rider’s athletic dominance that grabbed headlines. Several dozen protesters stormed the route about 19 kilometers from the finish, waving Palestinian flags and sitting on the road, forcing a temporary halt as police scrambled to clear the way. The delay lasted several minutes, but the race eventually resumed, with Vingegaard crossing the summit in 3 hours and 56 minutes, extending his overall lead to 1 minute and 16 seconds over João Almeida. With only the ceremonial ride into Madrid left, tradition dictates that no one will challenge the leader, leaving Vingegaard poised for victory barring unforeseen chaos.
But for many in Spain—and indeed, around the world—the sporting achievements have been overshadowed by the protests targeting Israel Premier Tech, the Israeli-owned cycling team. Over 180 cyclists from around the globe are competing in the Vuelta, which covers more than 3,100 kilometers (1,900 miles) through Spain’s picturesque, yet now politically charged, rural back-roads. The team, owned by Israeli-Canadian businessman Sylvan Adams, features just one Israeli rider in this year’s race. Yet its presence has become a lightning rod for activists and politicians alike, especially as Israel’s 23-month military campaign in Gaza continues to spark outrage.
Rosana Prieto, an alderperson from a small village in northwestern Spain, exemplified the grassroots nature of the movement. “The protests were born from the idea that our only chance to defend human rights regarding Israel is the Spanish Vuelta,” Prieto told The Associated Press. “It is an international spotlight for us to say that we are against what Israel is doing.” Hundreds of townspeople, Palestinian flags in hand, positioned themselves at the last turn before the finish line of the 15th stage, ensuring their message would be broadcast to the world. Further up the road, a protester carrying a Palestinian flag got dangerously close to the peloton, causing two cyclists to crash—neither of whom was on the Israeli team.
These incidents have not been isolated. Six of the last ten days of racing have been either cut short or interrupted by protests, with more than 20 people detained by police. Race security has been stretched thin, unable to lock down the entire twisting, forest-lined route. Protesters have blocked roads, jumped from cover to disrupt riders, and at times, even caused accidents. Joxean Fernández Matxin, team boss of UAE Emirates, lamented, “Some of them hit riders with flag poles and tossed tacks in their path.” The mounting tension led the cyclists themselves to vote on September 10 that they would quit the race if their safety was compromised again.
The political backdrop is impossible to ignore. Spain’s left-wing government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has taken one of the strongest stances against Israel in Europe. Sánchez joined Ireland and Norway in recognizing a Palestinian state last year and recently became the first European leader to ask a United Nations court for permission to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide. In a nationally televised address, Sánchez denounced Israel’s operations in Gaza as “genocide,” announced an arms embargo, and blocked Israel-bound fuel deliveries from passing through Spanish ports. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares and Sports Minister Pilar Alegría have publicly called for the expulsion of Israel Premier Tech from the Vuelta. “What we are seeing at the protests, in my opinion, is logical,” Alegría told Cadena Ser radio on September 11. “Sports cannot be isolated from the world that surrounds them.”
Israel, meanwhile, has defended its military actions in Gaza and accused Spain of siding with Hamas. According to Gaza’s health ministry, the war has killed at least 64,803 people as of September 2025, with famine gripping the largest city. The diplomatic spat has intensified, with Israeli leaders branding Spain’s actions “antisemitic” and a “blatant genocidal threat.” The European Commission’s president, Ursula von der Leyen, has called for partially suspending trade ties with Israel, while the Netherlands has threatened to boycott the Eurovision song contest if Israel is allowed to participate.
Amid the controversy, Israel Premier Tech has tried to keep a low profile. The team removed its name from uniforms midrace, and riders have avoided speaking to the media. Yet, the team’s resolve remains firm. In a statement, Israel Premier Tech said quitting the race “is out of the question, as it would set a dangerous precedent.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced his support on social media, stating, “Great job to Sylvan and Israel’s cycling team for not giving in to hate and intimidation. You make Israel proud!”
The protests have also sparked debate within the cycling world. Race leader Jonas Vingegaard, after a stage was shortened due to disruptions, remarked, “Everyone has a right to protest, but it’s a shame that it has to happen here and in this way and that we can’t finish the race.” Tadej Pogačar, the reigning Tour de France champion who skipped this year’s Vuelta, expressed concern that the unrest could spread. “I think all the riders are a little scared of what could happen,” Pogačar told reporters in Quebec. “When we see what’s going on at the Vuelta, we talk about it and we think it could happen here or in other races between now and the end of the season.”
As the race heads into its final stage in Madrid on September 14, authorities are not taking any chances. Police plan to deploy 1,500 officers to ensure the safety of riders and spectators, on top of the 130 officers already traveling with the race. Meanwhile, American rider Matthew Riccitello is set to finish in the coveted white jersey, awarded to the fastest cyclist under the age of 25—a rare bright spot amid the turmoil for Israel Premier Tech.
With activists vowing further action and the world watching closely, the 2025 Spanish Vuelta will be remembered not only for its athletic feats but for its role in a much larger, ongoing global conversation. As Madrid prepares for the closing stage, the intersection of sport and politics has never been more visible—or more fiercely debated—on cycling’s grandest Spanish stage.
