Pedro Delgado's commentator job still at risk after live criticism of pro-Palestinian protests at Vuelta a España

During the last Vuelta a España Pedro Delgado, Spanish cycling legend and RTVE commentator for 3 decades, gave his opinion on Televisión Española about the pro-Palestinian demonstrations that affected the Spanish race. There were often taken the wrong way and the Spanish legend's job was said to have been jeopardized. However, the situation might be different now.

Delgado gave his opinion without complexes. One such example: "The image that we are giving to the world of Spain is regrettable in a country that calls itself democratic. This is a great disgrace for Spanish sport and for the country". "It is something regrettable, of course it damages the image of the Vuelta and damages the image of Spain". Naturally, public figures within the sport avoid going into divisive political topics over fear of backlash, but this was not Delgado's case.

However the Spanish legend went as far as insinuating that some political party in Spain was favoring the violence of the protests: "The worst thing, for me, is that some political parties foment this hatred and desire to separate the country. That is what is outrageous". The race had three stages either cancelled or neutralized, and plenty other incidents involving the riders of all teams. The protests were against the presence of Israel - Premier Tech in the race, a state-sponsored team, in the midst of the genocide taking place in the Gaza Strip.

Thus, Perico was harshly criticized in other programs of Spanish television and speculation began with a possible dismissal (more than a dismissal with the public channel not counting on him to commentate the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España in 2026). Carlos de Andrés, his broadcasting partner since 2000, has spoken about it with Manu Falcón in the Youtube channel 'Fuera Caretas' making it clear that they were free to give their opinions and that no one has commented that 'Perico' will not continue.

"No one has to call me to communicate. I guess they will do it the day it happens, if it has to happen. Nobody has told him that he is not going to continue, so I understand why he is going to continue. Perico hasn't told me either that nobody has told him anything".

"On many things we usually agree; on this one we don't, but he is free to express his opinion as he sees fit. I don't know if it's good or bad to bring too much politics into sports, but it was difficult not to express your feelings at that moment. For me that episode is over, I'm not going to give it any more presence".

"He's my friend and, even if I disagree with the way he thinks, that doesn't mean he won't be a friend. He's the person I feel most comfortable commentating a race with and I hope to continue to do so."