More than 1,500 police officers have been deployed for the final stage of Spain’s version of the Tour de France, as more pro-Palestinian protests are taking place at the finale in Madrid.
The Spanish Vuelta sees over 180 cyclists spend three weeks pedaling 3,100km through the country’s backroads – and the Grand Tour event has this year turned into a diplomatic battleground.
Authorities said the heavy police presence would be deployed for the final stage on Sunday, to add to the 130 officers already traveling with the race.
Horse-riding police, officers in riot gear and military-type trucks were seen near the route.
Some 6,000 protesters were expected in Madrid, along with around 50,000 fans.
Multiple stages of the Vuelta have been disrupted by protests against the presence of the Israeli-owned team Premier Tech, which earlier in the race removed the team name from its cyclists’ uniforms.
Protesters have often waved Palestinian flags along the race route. During one stage, a demonstrator with a flag tried to run onto the road ahead of two riders, causing them to crash.
Of the last 10 days of racing, six have been cut short or interrupted with more than 20 people being detained by police.
The route of the final stage was cut short by 5km over traffic concerns. Previous stages were altered because of safety concerns over the protests.
Spaniards are largely sympathetic to the Palestinian cause and Spain’s left-wing government is also highly critical of Israel’s military invasion into Gaza.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez joined Ireland and Norway in recognizing a Palestinian state last year.
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In June last year, Spain became the first European country to ask a United Nations court for permission to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide.
Israel has denied genocide and defended its actions in Gaza, accusing Spain of standing with Hamas.
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Jonas Vingegaard, from the Visma-Lease a Bike team, is set to win the three-week race after extending his lead over Joao Almeida before the mostly ceremonial ride into Madrid.
The UK’s Tom Pidcock entered the final stage in fourth place.
