Final stage of Spanish Vuelta cycling race interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters

MADRID (AP) — Pro-Palestinian protesters have interrupted the final stage of the Spanish Vuelta.

There were clashes between police and protesters near the route finale in Madrid on Sunday. Some protesters carrying ani-Israel banners partly blocked the road and forced riders to stop.

More than 1,500 police officers had been deployed ahead of the last stage of the three-week long cycling race.

The Grand Tour event has turned into a diplomatic battleground and was largely disrupted by protesters against the presence of Israeli-owned team Premier Tech, which earlier in the race removed the team name from its uniforms.