Madrid authorities have decided to honor the prestigious cycling race La Vuelta in a special way. After the final stage of the event was canceled due to mass protests, regional officials announced the awarding of the highest honor—the Golden Medal of the Autonomous Community.
Regional leader Isabel Díaz Ayuso presented the initiative at a parliamentary session. She emphasized that La Vuelta is not just a sporting event, but a symbol of Madrid’s openness and international status. According to her, such events shape the city’s image and bring together people from all over the world.
This year, the race’s finale was threatened when protesters supporting Palestine blocked the course, leading to the cancellation of the last stage. During clashes, two demonstrators were detained and more than twenty police officers sustained injuries. Despite this, organizers and athletes expressed regret about what happened but noted that the safety of participants and spectators was the top priority.
Special recognition was given to the La Vuelta winner, Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard. A separate international award was prepared for him to highlight his achievements and contribution to the sport. Authorities believe the athlete deserves recognition despite the circumstances that disrupted the awards ceremony.
The medal and award ceremony will take place as part of the traditional celebrations marking Madrid’s Day of Autonomy. The event is expected to attract not only the sports community, but also the general public, as La Vuelta has long become an integral part of the region’s cultural life.
