Controversy Surrounding Supporters of Palestinian Causes

In the eleventh stage of the Vuelta a España, a series of protests disrupted the race, causing it to be brought to an abrupt end in Bilbao. Spanish media reported three arrests during the protests.

The organizers of the Vuelta a España prioritized the safety of the riders, and the race jury neutralized the stage three kilometers from the finish line. The Israel-Premier Tech team, which had previously been targeted during the team time trial on the fifth stage, made the decision to slow down their pace in response to the protest actions against them.

The protests were organized by pro-Palestinian demonstrators, who opposed the Team Israel–Premier Tech. They blocked the road with banners and pushed barriers into the course, actions related to the Gaza war. This led to the stage being shortened and the cancellation of the day's winner due to safety concerns.

The Vuelta organizers, along with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), have condemned the protests. The UCI has reaffirmed the political neutrality of sports organizations within the Olympic movement, a stance it has previously taken.

The Israel-Premier Tech team announced their intention to continue participating in the Vuelta a España, and the UCI showed solidarity and support for the teams, their staff, and the riders. The organizers have stated they will continue to work closely with the authorities on the remaining stages of the race.

During the tense situation, security forces barely managed to prevent protesters from entering the course during the first pass. Four police officers were injured during the incidents on the eleventh stage. The UCI expressed that sport should never be used as a means of punishment, and the behavior of the protesters was described as dangerous and counterproductive to their cause.

Despite the disruptions, the organizers and the UCI remain committed to ensuring the safety and fairness of the Vuelta a España for all teams and riders. The eleventh stage concluded with a slow roll towards the finish line, but the race continues, with the focus on the competition ahead.