It was hardly the stage Jonas Vingegaard had expected for his coronation as winner of La Vuelta a Espana but the Dane did at least manage to celebrate on an improvised podium in a parking lot after pro-Palestine demonstrations ended the race early.

Protesters pulled down barriers and swarmed the course in central Madrid on Sunday, meaning the 21st and final stage was abandoned before the riders could battle it out around the city circuit.

It also meant the usual lavish podium celebrations for the overall winner and various other categories, planned for the Plaza de Cibeles in central Madrid were called off.

Denmark's Vingegaard was denied his moment to cross the line and looked downcast in the back of his Visma-Lease a Bike team car as riders were told the race could no longer continue.

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