SHOTLIST:

VALLADOLID, SPAIN (SEPT. 11, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL)

1. VARIOUS OF PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTESTERS HOLDING PALESTINIAN FLAGS, BANNERS AND CHANTING SLOGANS AS POLICE FORCES TAKING SECURITY MEASURES VALLADOLID, SPAIN - SEPT. 11, 2025: Anti-Israel protests erupted again during the 18th stage of Spain’s La Vuelta cycling race on Thursday, Sept. 11, prompting organizers to shorten the individual time trial route in Valladolid for security reasons.

The route, initially planned as a 27.5-kilometer individual time trial, was reduced to 12 kilometers following demonstrations held along the course.

Spanish protesters opposing the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech team – owned by Sylvan Adams, a known close friend of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – have continued their demonstrations across all stages of the race in Spain since Aug. 27.

Thousands of people protested along the race route, condemning what they described as genocide committed by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Waving Palestinian flags, the crowds chanted slogans such as “This is not a war, it's genocide” and “Freedom for Palestine.”

Marked by anti-Israel protests, La Vuelta is set to conclude on Sept. 14 in Madrid.

Civil society organizations supporting Palestine are expected to stage even larger protests during the final stage.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, whose government enacted a nine-point sanctions package against Israel on Monday, publicly stated his support for excluding the Israeli team from the race.

Youth and Children’s Minister Sira Rego also defended the ongoing anti-Israel demonstrations throughout the race.

Under increasing pressure, the Israel-Premier Tech team removed the word "Israel" from the cyclists' uniforms for security reasons.