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Cycling scandal: Schachmann breaks silence over Vuelta protests!
During the Vuelta in Spain, Berlin cyclist Maximilian Schachmann criticizes violent protests Pro-Palestinian demonstrators who provide security questions.
Cycling scandal: Schachmann breaks silence over Vuelta protests!
Vuelta a España, one of the most important bike races in the world, is faced with considerable disorders. On September 15, 2025, Berlin cyclist Maximilian Schachmann critically commented on the actions of Propalestinian demonstrators who jumped into the field during the race and attacked the driver. Schachmann described the situation as absurd and spoke out for the right to freedom of expression and demonstrations, but condemned the violent clashes that endanger the safety of the participants. He points out that the last stage of the Vuelta had to be canceled after more than 100,000 people in Madrid protested in the Gaza strip in Madrid and were particularly directed against the Israel Premier Tech team. The organizers are also concerned about the safety of the cycling professionals and discuss possible consequences of such protests for future races.
The protests not only seem to be sporadically, but systematically targeted the vuelta. During the eleventh stage, there were massive disorders that led to the part of the section three kilometers before the finish without a winner. Loud N-TV the security of the cycling professionals becomes increasingly the big question of the race, and there are voices that demand an early demolition of the tour. Vuelta boss Javier Guillén said that there was no plan B to continue the tour, while the technical director of Israel-Premier-Tech noted that it would be better to resign from the competition voluntarily.
The situation on site
On the 16th stage, around 150 demonstrators occupied a street, which forced the race to be shortened by eight kilometers. On the eleventh stage, chaos was evident as activists hacked into the racing radio and chanted political slogans. Another frightening event occurred when a protester jumped out of bushes and caused a rider from the Movistar team to fall. The protests were not only directed against the Israeli riders, but also caused considerable unrest within the peloton.
According to young world The organizers of the Spain tour and the UCI cycling association have sharply condemned the actions of the demonstrators. The Basque police also confirmed that three arrests took place on the eleventh stage during the protests and several police officers were injured in the incidents. The UCI urgently emphasizes political neutrality in sport and the essential role that must play safe conditions for the drivers.
Schachmann expressed fear that future racing implementations could be endangered by such violent protests and hopes for a peaceful solution to the conflict to the Off Season. The increase in safety precautions had an impact during previous stages, and it seems that the events of the bike race are not only subject to sporty but also security policy requirements.
In this uncertain situation, it remains to be seen how those responsible will react and what measures are taken to ensure the safety of the participants, while the right to actively participate in political discourses is preserved.