"I understand why they're protesting. I just wish they’d done it somewhere else — I won’t hide that" - Jonas Vingegaard praises Spanish police during Vuelta
Cycling
In a Vuelta a Espana increasingly defined not only by its brutal parcours but by repeated interruptions from anti-Israel demonstrators targeting Israel - Premier Tech’s involvement, Jonas Vingegaard has struck a notably balanced tone — acknowledging the legitimacy of the protesters' concerns, while defending the integrity of the race and praising the swift action of organisers and police.
The 2025 edition of La Vuelta has been marred by multiple incidents of protest-related disruption, with Stage 20 becoming the latest to experience a blockade that temporarily forced the peloton to reroute. While no riders were harmed and the stage ultimately unfolded without further incident, the repeated protests have left their mark on what should have been a showcase of late-season Grand Tour racing.
Speaking to Danish outlet Feltet after securing his overall victory, Vingegaard offered a composed reflection on the situation: “I’ve said that I understand what’s going on and why they’re protesting. I just wish they’d done it somewhere else — I won’t hide that — so that we could race properly. But they’re doing it for a reason. They’ve found a platform here that they haven’t been able to find elsewhere.”
It’s a rare moment of public commentary from a rider known more for his performance on the bike than for wading into political waters. Still, Vingegaard’s remarks reveal a rider aware of the wider context of the race — and one who recognises the delicate balance between free expression and sporting fairness.
Protest Management Wins Praise
The protests, driven by ongoing opposition to the Israel - Premier Tech team, have ranged from roadside banners to coordinated human blockades. While organisers have managed to avoid outright cancellations, several stages have required last-minute rerouting or neutralisations.
Despite the turmoil, Vingegaard was quick to praise race officials and Spanish police for their handling of the disruptions. “We had to take a small detour today, but it wasn’t dangerous. The organisation and the police had it well under control — and I feel like they’ve been on top of things throughout the race.”
Police have been a constant presence wherever protestors show up
A Composed Champion Amid Chaos
Notably, he hasn’t shied away from speaking out before. Earlier in the race, he described the protests as “understandable but misplaced,” drawing attention for his willingness to comment at all on such a polarising issue. One sports media analyst called his statements “measured and brave” — rare qualities in the often politically cautious world of professional cycling.
Whether the disruptions will prompt wider discussions within the sport about protest protocols and sponsorship politics remains to be seen. For now, the race has crowned a worthy winner — and one who, even amidst controversy, has managed to remain both candid and composed.
As the dust settles on a chaotic Vuelta, Jonas Vingegaard departs not just with the red jersey, but with the respect of many for how he handled the unpredictable theatre that unfolded around him.
THIS WAS CRAZY 😡
— Lukáš Ronald Lukács (@lucasaganronald) September 13, 2025
Thankfully the police reacted and they didn’t injure any riders. #LaVuelta25 pic.twitter.com/NoBBGEzJQj
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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Rafionain-Glas08-11-2026 - i did not see it. was the relegation justified or an overly hard decision? and don‘t cross riders deviate from straight lines all the time? bumping into each others when they cut corners, etc … why being more strict with the rules on the finish sprint?Ketterechts08-11-2026
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- So?Jumpyjohn08-11-2026
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Front24208-11-2026 - On a positive note, you maybe notice turning this topic into a discussion has the benefit of eliminating certain participants who do not see how they can turn it back to their sole interest ;-)Jumpyjohn08-11-2026
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