Serious and irresponsible acts, unprecedented in this city and in Spain. Violent groups have canceled the final stage of La Vuelta, shaming our country. Special recognition goes to the cyclists and the organizers, who, in a commendable effort, wanted to finish the race. Intimidation and attacks have endangered the safety of the workers. No cyclist is responsible for what is happening in Gaza, and those committing these acts know it. They seek to demonstrate that there is no room for opinions other than those they hold and maintain. Those who want to demonstrate have the right to do so in Madrid, but what we saw in our city was not a demonstration; it was violence that endangered a sporting competition and state security forces. All limits have been crossed. Everything was recklessly and violently endangered by groups encouraged by the national government. Those who promoted these radical mobilizations must be held accountable. Politics cannot use sports to cover up Spain’s political problems. These groups do not represent Madrid or our city. Neither Madrid nor Spain deserve what happened today. We cannot allow what is clearly not normal to be considered normal. It is unacceptable that neither the president nor the Minister of the Interior have come out to support the work of the security forces who have put themselves at risk in the face of these incidents. They have been attacked by anti-establishment groups, not by peaceful people. Citizens of Madrid: rest assured that the Madrid City Council will continue to protect our coexistence. They do not want to complain about what is happening in Gaza, but rather to destroy the coexistence of this city.
José Luis Martínez-Almeida , Mayor of Madrid
Comment
An unusual ending
Thus officially ended the race, with the cyclists riding in their team cars, without a podium ceremony. An afternoon of unfortunate memories.
