From the Liveblog of
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Despite protests, Israeli cyclist wins Best Young Rider at Vuelta a España
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleZev Stub is the Times of Israel's Diaspora Affairs correspondent.
Despite ongoing protests by anti-Israel activists at the Vuelta a España cycling competition, a member of the Israel—Premier Tech team has been named the Best Young Rider of the competition.
Matthew Riccitello won the title after his impressive performance on the final summit of Stage 20 of the race, placing sixth for the day. The 23-year-old will be awarded a white jersey on the podium later Sunday, the first in the Israeli team’s history, with a fifth-place showing overall.
Saturday’s stage of the prestigious race was once again disrupted by protesters, as a large group entered and blocked the road with 18 kilometers remaining.
At least six of the last 10 stages of racing have been interrupted by anti-Israel demonstrators, with over 20 people detained by police. The international competition included over 180 cyclists biking 3,100 kilometers (1,900 miles) over three weeks.
Last week, the Israeli team changed its jersey to a monogrammed kit with only the team’s logo, in the hope of being less conspicuous.
The race comes to an end Sunday in Madrid. Police are preparing for further demonstrations in the Spanish capital.
The Times of Israel Community.