As expected, massive protests occurred during the final stage of the Vuelta a España. Just before entering the local circuit, it had already happened, but even on the circuit, a safe race was no longer possible. The organizers therefore decided to cancel the final stage. The podium ceremony will also not take place: in the center of the Spanish capital, Madrid, Jonas Vingegaard will not be honored as the overall winner of the third Grand Tour of the year.
The Vuelta organizer Unipublic had already taken numerous measures. For example, a passage through the Aravaca neighborhood on the way to the local circuit was canceled. Additionally, 1,900 police officers were mobilized and several riot control buses were stationed. Despite a large police presence, it proved impossible to keep all attendees off the course.
The start of the final stage went as usual: the riders used the opening part of the stage to take group photos together. The remaining riders from Visma | Lease a Bike were photographed in the special Vuelta edition of their kit.
But that was where the calm ended: just before the riders entered the circuit, they had to stop. And the 5.8-kilometer circuit was no longer clear of protesters. As a result, it was decided to cancel the race completely. So no winner of the 21st stage, no podium ceremony, but there is an overall winner: Jonas Vingegaard wins his third Grand Tour.
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