Anti-Israel Protest Curtails Spain’s La Vuelta 16th Stage

(MENAFN) The 16th stage of Spain’s La Vuelta cycling competition was curtailed on Tuesday because of demonstrations against Israel.

The segment, held in the northern Galicia region, concluded 8 kilometers (5 miles) short of the scheduled finish at Castro de Herville due to protests occurring near the finish area.

Spanish demonstrators objecting to the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech team – owned by Sylvan Adams, a well-known close associate of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – have persisted in staging protests across various stages of the race in Spain since Aug. 27.

Thousands of people gathered along the route, denouncing what they characterized as genocide carried out by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Carrying Palestinian flags, the crowds chanted slogans including “This is not a war, it's genocide” and “Freedom for Palestine.”

Near the conclusion of the race, a tree was observed toppled on the cyclists’ path, and demonstrators entered the course close to the finish line, prolonging their protests.

"Due to a protest that obstructed the race, today’s stage will be concluded 8 kilometers before the finish line, and both the stage winner and general classification standings will be determined at that point," stated La Vuelta General Director Javier Guillen.

Earlier, on Sept. 3, the 11th stage in the city of Bilbao was also shortened by 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) for security reasons following intense demonstrations supporting Palestine and opposing Israel.

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