“If a country politicises sport we must look elsewhere” – Danish sporting leaders raise doubts over Spain’s suitability to host future cycling events

Danish sporting officials have joined the growing chorus of voices questioning Spain’s ability to host major international cycling events after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised the pro-Palestinian protesters who disrupted this year’s Vuelta a España.

Hans Natorp, president of the Danish Sports Confederation (DIF), backed the UCI’s strong criticism of both the demonstrators and the Spanish government’s response, warning that the country could face consequences in terms of future hosting rights.

“I am fully aligned with the UCI that this must have consequences for whether Spain can stage major sporting occasions,” Natorp told TV 2 Sport. “If a country politicises sport – as we must assume is the case here – then sport requires a counter-move. That counter-policy is to say: we must look elsewhere.”

The issue has also drawn the attention of Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, who stressed that the repeated protests at the Vuelta highlighted the risks faced by cycling as an open-road sport.

“Sport and politics must not be mixed, and that principle must be defended,” Rasmussen said. “I am of course also worried for cycling, which I care deeply about. The Tour is due to start in Barcelona next year – under what circumstances will that take place?”

Rasmussen noted that one of the sport’s greatest charms – the ability for fans to get close to the riders – also leaves it uniquely vulnerable to disruption, as shown by the unprecedented cancellation of the final stage in Madrid.

The Vuelta protests, which ranged from on-road sit-downs to physical altercations with police, culminated in the last stage being called off entirely. The UCI condemned what it called “militant actions” after reports of riders being doused with urine and placed in danger, while also expressing dismay at Sánchez’s public praise for demonstrators.

Spain is set to welcome the Tour de France Grand Départ in Barcelona next July, while the 2026 Vuelta route is due to be revealed later this year. But with pressure building from international sporting bodies and political leaders alike, scrutiny over the country’s preparedness to guarantee safe, apolitical competition is likely to intensify in the months ahead.