The final stage of the Vuelta a Espana was abandoned after pro-Palestinian protesters entered part of the course in the centre of Madrid. Protesters knocked down barriers and occupied the road at several points on the course, including Gran Via, where cyclists were due to pass multiple times. More than 1,000 police officers had been deployed on the streets of the Spanish capital with demonstrations expected. Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard, who led going into the 21st and final stage, was declared the winner - a first Vuelta title for the two-time Tour de France champion. Tradition dictates rivals do not seek to overhaul the leader on the last day of a Grand Tour. Britain's Tom Pidcock finished third, behind Joao Almeida. The riders were stopped with around 60km remaining as they arrived at the finishing circuit in Madrid before the stage was abandoned. There have been various protests against the Israel-Premier Tech team throughout this year's Vuelta, forcing some stages to be shortened. Riders have voiced concerns regarding their safety due to the protests, with some incidents of crashing occurring as a result. In a notable shift, Israel-Premier Tech began racing in modified jerseys that did not display their team name. Following the abandonment, there was no podium presentation for Vingegaard or the winners of the other race jerseys. It's a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us, Vingegaard remarked. Everyone has the right to protest, but not in a way that influences or endangers our race. Clashes continued as protesters threw bottles at police. Race organizers had shortened the final stage from 111.6km to 103.6km in anticipation of potential disruptions. This comes amid larger unrest following Israeli military actions in Gaza. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed admiration for the protesters, prompting criticism from Madrid’s mayor and Israel’s foreign minister, who blamed the protests on Sanchez's comments. Despite the chaos, the Vuelta concluded with Vingegaard as champion.