Jonas Vingegaard blasts pro-Palestinian protests at La Vuelta: "They've robbed us of an eternal moment."

The Vuelta a España had to be suspended due to pro-Palestinian protests in Madrid. Cyclists were unable to celebrate the end of the race as they wished, and Jonas Vingegaard, winner of La Vuelta, in particular, lamented not being able to experience "the eternal moment" that race winners experience when they celebrate their victory on the Cibeles podium this Sunday in Madrid, because the final stage was halted before its finish due to protests by pro-Palestinian demonstrators.

"It's a shame that such an eternal moment has been taken away from us. I'm very disappointed. I was really looking forward to celebrating this overall victory with my team and the fans. Everyone has the right to protest, but not in a way that influences or jeopardizes our career," Vingegaard said, according to a team statement.

The Danish cyclist, however, was able to enjoy a celebration at his team hotel , where a podium was improvised. He was joined, as is the case every year after the end of the Vuelta, by the second and third-place finishers, the Portuguese Joao Almeida (UAE) and the British Tom Pidcock.

Regarding the race, Vingegaard expressed his "super pride in this overall victory." "It's my first Vuelta and the third Grand Tour of my career," Vingegaard recalled, also reflecting on the "three difficult weeks" he's endured.

"I felt very strong the first week and took two wins. Afterwards, I had a tougher phase, but luckily I recovered my position during the final weekend. My stage win at Bola del Mundo gave me great satisfaction. It was a beautiful way to crown this Vuelta," he said, reflecting on his triumph in the final stage at the Madrid giant.