World cycling body condemns Spanish PM for praising ‘militant’ protesters who disrupted Vuelta race

He said: “I think the debate that’s begun after what happened here in Madrid yesterday should widen and spread to all corners of the world.

“It’s already happening in some parts of the world, and we’ve seen how European governments are saying that as long as the barbarism continues, Israel can’t use any international platform to whitewash its presence.

“I think that sports organisations need to ask themselves whether it’s ethical for Israel to keep taking part in international competitions.”

In response the International Cycling Union (UCI) which governs world cycling, issued a damning statement, noting that Sánchez’s position “calls into question Spain’s ability to host major sporting events”.

It said: “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.

“Since the race arrived on Spanish soil, the Vuelta was disrupted almost daily by militant actions: individuals intruding into the peloton, throwing urine, endangering riders, and causing physical harm, with some of them crashing, suffering injuries, and being forced to abandon the race. Faced with these incidents, the race organisers reacted quickly and calmly, putting emergency measures in place to ensure the continuity of the event. They acted with exemplary professionalism, respecting the autonomy and independence of sport.

“The repeated acts that affected a significant number of stages constitute a serious violation of the Olympic Charter and the fundamenal principles of sport.”

Commenting directly on Sanchez’s apparent celebration of the protests, it said: “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.

“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.”

It added: “The UCI strongly condemns the exploitation of sport for political purposes in general, and especially coming from a government. Sport must remain autonomous to fulfil its role as a tool for peace. 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 UCI also noted that there will be Israeli, Palestinian, Ukrainian and Russian representatives at the body’s annual congress next week, adding: “We reaffirm our constant call for dialogue and peace. Sport must unite, never divide.”

Sanchez drew condemnation from within Spain too. Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the president of the Community of Madrid, said: “When the prime minister of the nation encourages a boycott of the Vuelta a España in his own capital, he becomes directly responsible for every incident that occurs, whether the race is stopped or whether there is a single assault... What damage to our sport and our country!”