UCI attacks Spanish government over Vuelta protests

In a statement late on Monday afternoon, the UCI criticised what it termed “militant actions” by protestors, and it also criticised Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who expressed admiration for the peaceful human rights demonstrations that took place throughout the race. 

The governing body claimed that his intervention was contrary to so-called “Olympic values,” and it called into question Spain’s ability to host international sporting events. Barcelona is due to host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in 2026.

“The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) expresses its total disapproval of and deep concern about the events that marked the 2025 edition of La Vuelta Ciclista a España, notably the abrupt halt to yesterday's final stage in Madrid, a direct consequence of a series of incidents linked to pro-Palestinian demonstrations,” read the UCI statement.

The governing body added that the Vuelta had been “disrupted almost daily by militant actions”, which it said constituted “a serious violation of the Olympic Charter.” The statement went on to criticise Sánchez, who on Monday called for Israel to be barred from international sporting competition.

Over 64,000 people, the vast majority of them civilians, have been killed since Israel invaded Gaza almost two years ago in response to the October 7 terrorist attacks, which killed more than 1,200 people.

“We also regret the fact that the Spanish Prime Minister and his government have supported actions that could hinder the smooth running of a sporting competition and, in some cases, expressed their admiration for the demonstrators,” continued the UCI statement.

“This position is contradictory to the Olympic values of unity, mutual respect, and peace. It also calls into question Spain's ability to host major international sporting events, ensuring that they take place in safe conditions and in accordance with the principles of the Olympic Charter.

“The UCI strongly condemns the exploitation of sport for political purposes in general, and especially coming from a government.”

Israel-Premier Tech refused calls from the Vuelta organisation, the Spanish government and multiple riders in the Vuelta peloton to withdraw from the race, with owner Sylvan Adams likening human rights protestors to “terrorists” in an interview with Israeli publication Sport5. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently issued a statement in support of Israel-Premier Tech’s stance.

“Sport must remain autonomous to fulfil its role as a tool for peace,” read the UCI statement. “It is unacceptable and counterproductive for our sport to be diverted from its universal mission. Moreover, there are dedicated platforms where countries can discuss their differences.”

The statement concluded by noting that delegates from the Palestinian, Israeli, Russian, and Ukrainian National Federations would attend the World Championships in Rwanda next week.

Russia and Belarus were banned from international cycling in 2022 shortly after of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The UCI has made no public statement on Israel’s participation in international cycling in the 23 months since the beginning of the invasion of Gaza.

Israel-Premier Tech’s participation was already the subject of protests at the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, but the demonstrations were more sustained on the Vuelta. The squad was briefly blocked by demonstrators during the stage 5 team time trial in Figueres, while there were crashes on stages 10 and 15 after protestors and police spilled onto the road.

Stage 11 into Bilbao was halted with 3km to go, and no winner was declared due to a demonstration on the finishing straight on the city’s Gran Vía. Stage 16 saw the finishing climb of Castro de Herville removed from the route due to a demonstration with 3km to go, while the stage 18 time trial in Valladolid was shortened to 12.2km due to security concerns.

Madrid’s largest security operation since the 2022 NATO summit was enacted for the Vuelta finale, but stage 21 was abandoned with 58km to go after protestors spilled onto the road. There was no official podium ceremony, and winner Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike) was feted in an informal gathering in his team hotel car park on Sunday evening.

The UCI’s lone statement during the Vuelta itself came after the interrupted stage 11 to Bilbao, when it outlined its “commitment to the political neutrality.” UCI president David Lappartient did not attend the race nor comment on it, despite the unfolding crisis.