On Sunday, the race will finish with the 21st and final stage, which ends in central Madrid. Then, the Spanish government wants to ensure order after large parts of the classic cycling competition have been disrupted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
1,100 police officers as well as 400 men from the police force Guardia Civil will therefore be placed in the Spanish capital over the weekend, announce representatives of the government in a statement.
A few stages have not been able to be completed as planned due to the protests – they oppose the fact that the Israel-based team Israel-Premier Tech is allowed to participate – and several cyclists have been knocked over in connection with demonstrators ending up on the road.
The cyclists have voted to continue the competition, writes AP, but can change the decision if pro-Palestinian demonstrations jeopardize safety during the final stages.
During Wednesday's 17th stage, the cycling race was not disrupted by any demonstrators.
