An “extraordinary” security boost will accompany the final two stages of the Vuelta in the Madrid region, Spanish authorities said, as pro-Palestinian protests rock one of cycling’s grand tours.

The demonstrations, which have targeted the Israel-Premier Tech team over the devastating war in Gaza, have affected several stages of the 21-day race and cast doubt on organisers’ ability to see it through to its completion.

The central government’s representation in Madrid said in a statement on Wednesday that more than 400 extra Civil Guards will protect the penultimate stage on Saturday, and 1,100 police officers will deploy for Sunday’s finale.

The “extraordinary deployment” would be the police’s largest security effort since Madrid hosted the 2022 NATO summit, the statement added.

“With t

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