Increased police presence for Vuelta stage 18 amid protestor concerns
Spanish news agency EFE reports that the city of Valladolid will have 450 police personnel working security for Thursday's upcoming stage 18 of the Vuelta a España amid what a local official called "indications" that pro-Palestinian protestors could be planning to "go beyond putting flags along the route." Stage 18, an individual time trial, will start and finish in Valladolid.
Protests have already had a significant impact on the Vuelta, with stage 11 being neutralized before a planned finish in Bilbao due to the number of protestors there and more than one crash caused by their presence as well. Further down the road, race organizers are also reportedly considering their options for final stage, which could see a heightened protestor presence in the Spanish capital of Madrid. (EFE)
