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Madrid ‘almost double’ police deployment for final Vuelta stage

Madrid ramped up security measures on Thursday ahead of the final stage of the Vuelta a Espana, with pro-Palestinian protestors targeting the race.

Several stages have been shortened because of protests, mainly against the participation of the Israel Premier-Tech cycling team.

Sunday’s final stage of cycling’s third grand tour ends in the Spanish capital after a 111 kilometre run from Alalpardo.

“The municipal police will have nearly 800 personnel deployed… the initial plan was for approximately 500 officers for the (part of the) route in the city of Madrid, about 40 kilometres long,” Inma Sanz, Madrid’s first deputy mayor, told a news conference.

She said the planned deployment was “almost doubled”, a day after the central government’s representation in Madrid said there would be “extraordinary” reinforcements at the final stage.

The 800 municipal police officers will join 1,100 national police officers sent to prevent further disruptions.

Protesters have burst onto the course and caused crashes, among other flashpoints across the three-week race.

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