Protester waving Palestinian flag causes crash during major Vuelta cycling race

A man carrying a Palestinian flag caused a crash on the 15th stage of the Vuelta a España on Sunday when he ran toward the road as riders approached in the latest disruption to the major cycling race by anti-Israel protesters.

The protester tripped and did not quite make it to the road. He was apparently hiding from security as the riders approached with about 55 kilometers left in the 168-kilometer (104-mile) stage. A police officer also crossed the road in front of the riders after he saw the protester making his run on the other side.

Cyclists Javi Romo and Edward Planckaert went down moments after the man carrying the flag approached. Romo crashed just after he looked back at the protester. Planckaert fell while trying to avoid Romo.

Romo had part of his shorts ripped off and had to stop for a few moments before being able to rejoin the race. Planckaert got back on his bicycle and continued.

There have been a series of disruptions by pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel protesters during the three-week Grand Tour race in Spain, prompting calls for the Israeli team, Israel — Premier Tech, to withdraw. Stage 11 of the race ended without a winner after a previous disruption from pro-Palestinian protesters.

The Israel — Premier Tech team started Saturday’s stage wearing new kits without the team name, apparently to reduce the visibility of their riders.

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Spanish cyclist Javier Romo hit the ground during La Vuelta after a spectator suddenly ran into the road.

Reports say the person was a pro-Palestine activist who caused the crash by interfering with the race.

Romo was… pic.twitter.com/zL3E9WvQoG

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 7, 2025

The El Pais Spanish newspaper said hackers took over the race’s radio communications during Saturday’s stage and broadcast pro-Palestine messages.

Spain is a longtime critic of Israel’s policies toward Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Speaking in the Spanish parliament in May, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called Israel a “genocidal state,” drawing a furious rebuke from Jerusalem.

Spain’s foreign minister said Saturday he would support expelling Israel —Premier Tech from the race, but stressed the government does not claim to have the power to do so. The team has rebuffed such requests.

Reuters contributed to this report.