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≡ POLITICS AND SPORT ≡
“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 fundamental principles of sport.”
The UCI, like the International Olympic Committee and the other International Federations, normally uses a studied, calm tone in all of its communications. That went out the window after Sunday’s cancellation of the final stage of the 80th Vuelta a Espana, where the riders were told to stop after about 52 km of the 108 km route into Madrid due to protests; the La Vuelta Web site announced, “The riders are stopped in Madrid. Protesters have invaded the road.”
The unhappy UCI statement continued:
“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.
“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.
“As we approach our annual Congress next week, which will be attended by representatives of the Palestinian, Israeli, Russian, and Ukrainian National Federations, we reaffirm our constant call for dialogue and peace. Sport must unite, never divide.
“Finally, we commend the exemplary work of the Spanish law enforcement agencies at the Vuelta, who acted with professionalism in extremely tense conditions.”
The Associated Press reported that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in remarks to his Sociality Workers Party:
“The sports organizations should consider whether it’s ethical for Israel to keep participating in international competitions. Why expel Russia after the invasion of Ukraine and not expel Israel after the invasion of Gaza? Until the barbarity ends, neither Russia nor Israel should be in any international competition.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded on X:
“An antisemite and a liar.
“Did Israel invade Gaza on Oct. 7th or did the Hamas terror state invade Israel and commit the worst massacre against the Jews since the Holocaust?
“Sánchez and his Communist government are antisemites and enemies of the truth.”
¶
Observed: As is often the case, the popularity of sport makes it a target for politics, most horrifically at the 1972 Munich Games in which Palestinian terrorists murdered 11 members of the Israeli delegation.
This is the more of the same, taking the headlines from the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the Hamas invasion of Israel on 7 October 2023, with 1,195 killed, 3,400 wounded and 251 taken hostage (47 still held by Hamas after almost two years) with the conflicts moved to other arenas.
The Vuelta a Espana simply offered an opportunity; the sport and the event itself are insignificant to the protesters. Which means they will continue elsewhere, in other places and in other sports.
For those staging events, their jobs are – increasingly – harder, and their events more expensive due to security issues. And that’s not going away soon.
¶
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