The final stage of the 2025 Vuelta, a España in Madrid, had to be abandoned after huge pro-Palestinian protests over 100,000 people reportedly took to the streets. The demonstrators targeted the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team, accusing Israel of committing atrocities in Gaza. Things got tense, with clashes between protesters and police, and the race couldn’t continue.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed admiration for the protesters and even suggested that Israel should be excluded from international sporting events until its actions in Gaza change. That statement hasn’t gone over. Well, opposition leaders in Spain have slammed him for encouraging unrest and risking the country’s image. Israel responded by barring two Spanish ministers from entering.

Beyond the politics, this raises big questions about safety at sporting events and whether cycling teams might boycott races involving Israel-Premier Tech in the future. Sports and politics are colliding in a way that could have long-lasting effects on international competitions.