I had planned another post for today’s finale in Madrid, one that celebrated the excitement and beauty of the past three weeks. Alas, that seems inappropriate now, given the disgusting way the race was derailed.

Early in the stage riders pedaled leisurely, slowing to high-five their rivals, take a few selfies, and enjoy the slow pace into Spain’s capital city. That all ground to a halt when protesters invaded the race route, forcing the peloton to stop; at one point a protester even put his hands on one of the riders. Soon after a wave of protesters burst through the barricades, blocking the road with their humongous flags and banners.

It didn’t help that, earlier in the week, Spain’s PM Pedro Sanchez voiced support and admiration for the protesters.

For what?

So that the Israeli government, fearing the political pressure applied at a cycling event, will suddenly change its policy toward Gaza? Come on . . .

What enraged me and disgusted me this morning was the performative nature of the protest. Like almost everything else in our world these days, this disgraceful spectacle was public theater, aimed at the eyes of social media and television cameras. As I watched the riders wait patiently for resolution (Would the race continue? What about the podium presentations?) I saw people in the mob posing for selfies, laughing and dancing.

Yeah, that’ll change things. All you’ve managed to do is deprive the winners of their moment in the spotlight. Israel will continue doing whatever it pleases. Bravo.

My other big gripe? With race organizers and local government officials. This outcome was foreseeable, predictable even. God knows we’ve had plenty of previews over the past three weeks. From week one I’ve worried about the finish in Madrid and the precautions necessary to protect the peloton and well-meaning spectators from the protesters.

But this morning it looked as though no meaningful adjustments had been made: an epic failure, in my opinion. And, I might add, not a great image to present to the world. To say I’m disappointed in today’s events is a massive understatement. It’s just one more example of performative political theater that punishes the wrong people. It accomplishes nothing that the protesters pretend to espouse and leaves a tinge of ugliness in of the few arenas where we could all come together, at least for a cycling race, and cheer for the good.

Rant over, for now. If you feel like celebrating or just drowning your sorrows, here’s a nice bottle of bubbles to get you through.

Vuelta Vaso de Vino Recommendation: 2020 Juvé & Camps Cava Gran Reserva “Reserva de la Familia” Brut Nature ($19.99; 12% abv)

This sparkling wine was made with free-run juice from grapes grown on organically farmed vineyarda in three estates: Espiells (Can Rius), La Cuscona and Mediona. It is bright yellow in color with flashes of gold toward the edge. Fruity, fresh apple character, with notes of white flowers, and fresh rosemary. There are also notes of lightly toasted bread, almonds, and dried fruit.

The palate is slightly yeasty, lots of citrus character and some chalk. Over time, there are notes of fresh fennel and dried apples, leading to a tart, slightly sour finish. Perfect for sipping, but a very nice food wine as well. I paired it with a simple dish: three-bean salad with tuna, peppers, red onion, and feta, topped with homemade red wine vinaigrette.

As we close out Vuelta 2025, I’ll try to focus on the grand moments rather than the unpleasant ones: watching Egan Bernal win a stage; seeing American Matthew Riccitello win the white jersey as best young rider; the stunning scenery of Ribeira Sacra. As wise folks say, “take what you like and leave the rest.”

I’ll do my best . . .