Madrid's Vingegaard: Gold Medal, Prado Tourist Award, and Understanding of the Protests

Five days after the end of the most controversial Vuelta a España in history, the controversy continues to rage in cycling . What began as an isolated action against the Israel-Premier Tech event due to the invasion of Gaza, recently classified as genocide against the Palestinian people by the UN, eventually escalated into a mass protest that brought the Vuelta to a standstill on several occasions.

Madrid witnessed a dull final day of racing, as is always the case in the Grand Tours. Jonas Vingegaard entered the capital as the champion, in a stage dedicated to honoring the winner and for the enjoyment of the public. He didn't finish . Like the rest of the peloton, the Team Visma-Lease a Bike rider finished early. The stage was suspended due to protests that invaded its route. The Vuelta organizers improvised a trophy presentation in a parking lot , with the podium raised in ice boxes . There, smiling once again, was Vingegaard.

The Danish cyclist took advantage of his stay in Madrid to enjoy himself like a true tourist. The day after finishing the Vuelta a España , he visited the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace. He did so with his wife, Trine Marie, and his children, ages five and two. If he wishes, he is invited to return to the capital on May 2, 2026, when he will receive the Gold Medal of the Community of Madrid, the city's highest civil honor. This was announced by the Madrid president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso , at Thursday's plenary session: "Because this international cyclist does not deserve to be received on ice boxes because of what you caused ."

Díaz Ayuso, leader of the Popular Party in Madrid, was critical of the protests, particularly targeting Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish president, who encouraged the demonstrators. Madrid will also award prizes to the Vuelta a España itself "because it is one of the international competitions for the people of Madrid that they have tried to dismantle."

It is still unknown whether Jonas Vingegaard will be competing on May 2nd next year. These are difficult times in the cycling season, especially for those hoping to conquer the Giro d'Italia , a race the Dane has yet to achieve, having put the Tour de France ahead of his schedule, having won twice. Within the peloton, the events at the Vuelta have caused a difference of opinion. The International Cycling Union (UCI) did publicly confront the Spanish government for encouraging protests against the race.

In a recent interview with AS , Vingegaard said the Vuelta was "the strangest race of his life" because of what happened, but he was sympathetic to the protests: "Of course it's a shame that we couldn't race the way we wanted, but I think we all have the right to protest. The people who are demonstrating are doing so in support of Gaza, and those who are protesting have their reasons. They're looking for greater visibility , and I understand that."