"There were clashes between police and protesters near the route finale in Madrid. Some protesters carrying anti-Israel banners partly blocked the road and forced riders to stop. There was no stage winner and the podium ceremony was called off because of security concerns. Organizers said the final stage "ended early to ensure the safety of the riders." "Due to the protests in Madrid, the race ended earlier than planned and there will be no podium ceremony," race officials said."
"There were about 50 kilometers (31 miles) left on the 21st stage that was a mostly ceremonial ride into Madrid. The protesters threw barriers onto the road on a finishing circuit in the Spanish capital. Riders had been expected to do nine laps, but several hundred protesters stayed on the road where the race was supposed to pass by while anti-Israel banners were also hung from nearby buildings."
Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the Vuelta's final stage in Madrid by partly blocking the route, throwing barriers onto the road and hanging anti-Israel banners from buildings. Riders were ordered to stop, briefly resumed, then stopped again as organizers and authorities assessed security. Police in riot gear confronted protesters and more than 1,500 officers had been deployed to the route, with police escorting riders away from the circuit. The final stage ended early with roughly 50 kilometers remaining and no stage winner or podium ceremony was held. Jonas Vingegaard was confirmed as overall winner, his third Grand Tour title, leading João Almeida by 1 minute, 16 seconds.
Read at ESPN.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]