Authorities condemn 'unacceptable' protests that spoiled Vuelta finale

MADRID : The head of Spain's premier cycling race and the International Cycling Union (UCI) delivered stern rebukes on Monday to protesters who forced the abandonment of the Vuelta a Espana's final stage, describing the chaotic scenes as unacceptable.

Javier Guillen, the race's general manager, faced reporters a day after pro-Palestinian demonstrations targeting the Israel-Premier Tech team brought Sunday's finale to a grinding halt three kilometres from the finish line in Madrid.

Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard was declared the race winner after the stage was abandoned.

"I want to express my regret, but especially condemn what happened in the last stage of the Vuelta a Espana," Guillen told a press conference.

"The images speak for themselves. I believe that everything that happened is absolutely unacceptable."

The protesters, unhappy about Israel's actions in Gaza, chanted "they will not pass" as they overturned metal barriers and occupied the race route.

Two people were arrested and 22 police officers injured, according to the Spanish government.

Guillen insisted organisers had tried to accommodate peaceful demonstrations throughout the three-week tour, but the safety of the cyclists ultimately forced their hand. 

"What happened was that, about three kilometres from the finish line, there was another invasion of the road in which riders fell to the ground," he said.

"We were now talking about not only the impossibility of completing the stage normally, but also the fact that the safety of the cyclists was clearly in danger."

VUELTA GUIDED BY UCI REGULATIONS

The race director repeatedly deflected questions about whether the Israel-Premier Tech team, which is not funded by Israel, should have taken part in the race, saying organisers