Cycling's Black Eye: PM Pedro Sánchez Under Fire for Politicalizing Sport
UCI condemns Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez for supporting protesters who disrupted Vuelta a España cycling race, raising concerns about Spain's future as sports event host.
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The international cycling community is in an uproar after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised activists who disrupted the final stage of the Vuelta a España race. The global governing body of cycling, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), issued a scathing statement, raising concerns about Spain's future as a host for major sporting events.
The final stage of the prestigious cycling race was abruptly canceled on Sunday after hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the course in Madrid, taking down barriers and creating chaos that made it impossible for the race to continue.
Political Interference?
Prior to the final day's events, Sánchez had publicly commended the protesters who had been disrupting the race throughout its three-week duration. Speaking at a political rally, he stated:
"Our respect and recognition for the athletes and our admiration for the Spanish people who are mobilizing for just causes like Palestine."
His support for the demonstrations continued even after the race was abandoned. In a subsequent public statement, Sánchez called for a ban on Israel from all international sports competitions, arguing that the country should not be allowed to "whitewash" its actions in Gaza using athletic platforms.
A "Serious Violation" of Olympic Values
The UCI's response was swift and definitive. The organization expressed "total disapproval" and "deep concern" over the events. It detailed a series of "militant actions" that had plagued the race, including individuals intruding on the course and even throwing urine at riders, which led to crashes and injuries.
The UCI condemned the Spanish Prime Minister's praise for the protesters, stating it was "contradictory to the Olympic values of unity, mutual respect, and peace." The statement added that Sánchez’s position "calls into question Spain's ability to host major international sporting events" in a safe and secure manner. The body stressed that sport must remain autonomous and not be used for political purposes by a government.
The incident has also sparked a domestic political backlash. Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the president of the Community of Madrid, directly blamed Sánchez for the disruption.
"When the prime minister of the nation encourages a boycott of the Vuelta a España in his own capital, he becomes directly responsible for every incident that occurs," she said.