Increased Security for Vuelta a España Time Trial Amidst Ongoing Protests
The Vuelta a España is bolstering security measures for next Thursday’s individual time trial, a relatively short 27.2-kilometer stage, following a series of protests targeting the Israel-Premier Tech team’s participation in the race. Race director Fernando Escartín Canales emphasized the unique challenges of securing such a concentrated course, stating that comprehensive coverage – a police officer every ten meters – is simply impractical.
this heightened security response comes after a stage 15 incident where a roadside demonstrator inadvertently caused Movistar rider Javier Romo to crash approximately 60 kilometers from the finish line. Eleven protestors were arrested during that stage for various offenses.
A History of Disruption
The Vuelta has experienced multiple demonstrations throughout its duration, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding Israel-Premier Tech’s presence. These protests underscore a growing concern for rider and public safety, prompting organizers to reassess security protocols.
Currently, the Vuelta a España benefits from a dedicated police presence of 202 officers. this includes:
132 officers from the Guardia Civil: Primarily focused on traffic management and security during stages outside urban areas.
70 officers from the National Police: Responsible for securing stage starts, finishes, and the immediate surrounding areas.
During the recent stages through Asturias, nearly 460 additional local police officers were deployed across longer distances (130-202 kilometers).However, the substantially shorter time trial necessitates a more concentrated security effort.
Prioritizing Safety Above All Else
Canales explained to Europa Press that the primary concern isn’t simply stopping protestors from accessing the course. The real danger lies in potential accidents – crashes involving riders, support vehicles, or even protestors themselves. “The problem is not that the race is stopped [by people moving onto the route] but that there is some kind of accident,” he stated.
Organizers are acutely aware of the risks and are taking proactive steps to mitigate them. The increased police presence for the time trial reflects this commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all involved.
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