23,000 gendarmes and police officers, including members of various elite units are to be made available for security duty along the route of this year’s Tour de France.

“This is done in the particular context of a very increased terrorist risk,” said French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve.

“At least 23,000 gendarmes and police officers will be present along the road this year, to ensure the safety of the Tour de France,” said Cazeneuve during a meeting with the organisers. The Tour will take place from 2 to July 24th.

For the first time, the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN), the anti-terrorist unit of the French gendarmerie have also been asked to work on the Tour.

“Everyone understands that the Tour de France this year will take place in a particular context,” said the minister in reference to the jihadist attacks in France last year.

According to Cazeneuve, authorities need to “remain extremely vigilant against an enemy who is determined to take us at any time.”

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