The finale of Spain’s version of the Tour de France has been cancelled midway through after clashes between police and pro-Palestinian protesters in Madrid.
The Spanish Vuelta’s 104km-long last leg was first paused at around 6.20pm local time (5.20pm in the UK) as police attempted to disperse the demonstrators.
Some protesters carrying anti-Israel banners had thrown barriers to block where the cyclists were supposed to pass on a finishing circuit for the mostly ceremonial ride into the Spanish capital.
The race did briefly resume a short while later, but organisers were ultimately forced to call the finale off.
Organisers said: “For security reasons, stage 21 of La Vuelta has been ended early. There will be no podium ceremony.
“The race has been officially ended and Jonas Vingegaard is the winner.”
Protesters carrying Palestinian flags jeered as the teams’ support cars passed by them along the route.
The Vuelta sees over 180 cyclists spend three weeks pedaling 3,100km through the country’s backroads – and the Grand Tour event has this year turned into a diplomatic battleground.
More than 1,500 police officers were deployed for the final stage of the race, as officials anticipated protests.
Authorities said the heavy police presence would be deployed for the final stage on Sunday, to add to the 130 officers already traveling with the race.
Horse-riding police, officers in riot gear and military-type trucks were seen near the route.
Some 6,000 protesters were expected in Madrid, along with around 50,000 fans.
Multiple stages of the Vuelta have been disrupted by protests against the presence of the Israeli-owned team Premier Tech, which earlier in the race removed the team name from its cyclists’ uniforms.
Protesters have often waved Palestinian flags along the race route. During one stage, a demonstrator with a flag tried to run onto the road ahead of two riders, causing them to crash.
Of the 10 days of racing up Sunday, six were cut short or interrupted with more than 20 people being detained by police.
The route of the final stage was cut short by 5km over traffic concerns. Previous stages were altered because of safety concerns over the protests.
Spaniards are largely sympathetic to the Palestinian cause and Spain’s left-wing government is also highly critical of Israel’s military invasion into Gaza.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez joined Ireland and Norway in recognizing a Palestinian state last year.
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In June last year, Spain became the first European country to ask a United Nations court for permission to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide.
Israel has denied genocide and defended its actions in Gaza, accusing Spain of standing with Hamas.
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The Vuelta’s winner Vingegaard, from the Visma-Lease a Bike team, had extended his lead over Joao Almeida before the final leg.
The UK’s Tom Pidcock finished in third place.
