53 Vuelta a Espana Protesters to be Fined Heavily and Banned from Cycling Events

Spanish authorities have opened formal sanction proceedings against 53 individuals who disrupted multiple stages of the Vuelta a España this year, targeting the participation of the Israel–Premier Tech cycling team.

The State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport is proposing fines of €1,500 to €5,000 per person and bans from sports venues ranging from three to twelve months.

The protests took place during the opening and middle weeks of the three-week race and included repeated incidents in the Basque Country, Asturias and Pontevedra. In Bilbao, the Ertzaintza issued fines to 14 demonstrators and made four arrests after protesters stepped onto the roadway and clashed with police. The Guardia Civil has proposed sanctions against 39 people in Asturias and Pontevedra, where 12 were detained for attempts to block the road and to chain themselves to crash barriers during the thirteenth stage.

The disturbances culminated in the cancellation of the final stage in Madrid and the removal of podium ceremonies; some riders held an unofficial presentation in a hotel parking lot.

Government and sporting authorities say the sanctions are aimed at preserving safety, protecting athletes and ensuring events can proceed without interference. “Sporting events must be safe and fair for competitors, staff and fans,” said María López, Secretary of the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport. “Those who place others at risk or disrupt competitions will face the legal and administrative consequences established by our laws and regulations.”

The protests also had broader consequences for the Israel–Premier Tech team. In the weeks following the incidents, the ProTeam received uninvites to several races and withdrew from a number of Italian events, including the season-closing Monument Il Lombardia. Faced with pressure from title sponsor Premier Tech and bike supplier Factor, team management announced a rebrand plan for 2026. The organization will transition off Israeli registration as it moves up to WorldTour status, change its name, and shift day-to-day leadership responsibilities away from current manager Adams, while ownership will remain intact.

Cycling federations and race organizers say the proposed sanctions are part of a coordinated response to deter dangerous protest tactics at major sporting events. Authorities continue to investigate each incident and aim to conclude proceedings swiftly to set a clear precedent ahead of next season’s international calendar.