Madrid prepares for the culminating stage of the Vuelta a España amid heightened security measures and planned protests. The final circuit will wind through central Madrid, culminating in a finish line against the backdrop of the city’s UNESCO-recognized landscape.
The Spanish capital anticipates over 50,000 spectators as the race concludes, but the event is shadowed by organized demonstrations planned in locations including Atocha, callao, and the hermitage of San Antonio de la Florida. Protests are scheduled to begin as early as 4:00 p.m., with organizers encouraging participants to arrive two hours prior. These demonstrations follow incidents in previous stages, particularly in Bilbao and Galicia, prompting authorities to implement an extensive security operation.
A robust security detail of approximately 2,300 personnel-surpassing the deployment for the 2022 NATO Summit-will oversee the event. This includes 1,100 National Police officers, 400 Civil Guards, 800 Municipal Police officers, 100 mobility agents, and a dedicated Samur-Civil protection team. Local police will also contribute to security along the route, supplementing the standard Vuelta safety protocols.
The race route will traverse key Madrid thoroughfares, including Puerta del Sol, Calle Mayor, Plaza de Oriente, Paseo del Prado, Gran Vía, and callao. The final stage features an urban circuit with nine laps before the finish. Vingegaard is currently leading the race, wearing the red jersey.
