Tour de France increases security in light of riots and protests across country
The race begins in Spain but heads back to French soil in 4 days
Photo by:
Kanthan2030
In anticipation of potential disruptions caused by the ongoing riots and protests that are sweeping France, the Tour de France has implemented enhanced security measures. On Friday, Christian Prudhomme, the race director, that he and the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) are in continuous communication with the French government.
The scenes from France are terrifying. Never thought I'd say this, but it's not hard to imagine the Tour de France being canceled. Might be the necessary call, given the danger to those involved and the policing resources it requires.
— Neal Rogers ?? (@nealrogers) July 1, 2023
Spanish start before heading to France
The Tour de France begins Saturday in Bilbao, Spain before crossing into France on Monday. Throughout the following three weeks, the race will conclude its stages in prominent towns and cities such as Bordeaux and Bourg-en-Bresse before ending in Paris.
'All large scale public events in France are being cancelled because of the security risks.'
GB News’ Home and Security Editor Mark White shares the latest from France, as Emmanuel Macron has announced police will use ‘armoured vehicles’ to suppress the ongoing riots. pic.twitter.com/Ye1NEmvTNa
— GB News (@GBNEWS) June 30, 2023
Prudhomme said that the race will adapt if needed. “We are in constant liaison with the state services. We are following the situation and how it has been evolving,” he added.
? Live: French police arrest more than 900 people in fourth night of riots
➡️ https://t.co/esxbWWZ175 pic.twitter.com/DVmZWTlanj— FRANCE 24 – Breaking (@BreakingF24) July 1, 2023
The race itself passes through the countryside, but the riders and staff frequently stay overnight in urban neighbourhoods. French interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, has already requested the implementation of nationwide measures to halt bus and tram services at 9 pm. These measures are intended to address the security concerns surrounding the event. Some cities have also begun to enact curfews at night.
“I think you’d be pretty naive to think you’re going to get through this year’s Tour without any protests. It’s something you have to push to the back of your mind. It’s out of our control,” Matt White, the Jayco AlUla directeur sportif team, said.
Two motorbikes with police will ride ahead of the pack to stop protesters from disrupting the race after several incidents in the 2022 edition.
“Two motorbikes will work as a duo. Our goal is to be able to bring an immediate response and avoid the race being stopped,” gendarmerie captain Jean-Francois Prunet said on Friday.
