Staff Reporter.
The final stage of the Vuelta a Espana has been abandoned after pro-Palestinian protesters entered part of the course in the centre of Madrid.
Protesters knocked down barriers and occupied the road at several points on the course including Gran Via, where cyclists were due to pass multiple times.
More than 1,000 police officers had been deployed on to the streets of the Spanish capital, with demonstrations expected.
Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard, who led going into the 21st and final stage, has been declared the winner.
Britain’s Tom Pidcock – of Q36.5 Pro Cycling – finishes third, behind UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s Joao Almeida.
There have been various protests against the Israel-Premier Tech team throughout this year’s Vuelta, forcing some stages to be shortened. Riders have crashed as a result of the protests, with some saying they have been worried for their safety.
Last week, Israel-Premier Tech began racing in modified jerseys which did not display their team name.
There was no podium presentation for Vingegaard or the winners of the other race jerseys.
“It’s a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us,” said Vingegaard.
“I was looking forward to celebrating this overall win with my team and the fans. Everyone has the right to protest, but not in a way that influences or endangers our race.”
Clashes continued after the race was abandoned, with protesters throwing bottles of water and other objects at police.
Race organisers had already shortened the final stage of Vuelta from 111.6km to 103.6km. They did not specify a reason for the section removed, which would have crossed the plush Madrid neighbourhood of Aravaca.