Rio 2016: Controlled explosion near road race finish a false alarm

The controlled explosion of a suspect package at the finish line of the men's Olympic road race was carried out as a precaution.

Published : Aug 07, 2016 00:28 IST

Brazilian security services at Rio Olympic Games venue.
Brazilian security services at Rio Olympic Games venue.
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Brazilian security services at Rio Olympic Games venue.

The controlled explosion of a suspect package at the finish line of the men's Olympic road race was carried out as a precaution.

Omnisport understands that the loud bang heard with 70 kilometres of the race to go was actually a false alarm.

As the elite cyclists made their way around the 241.5-km route, the explosion was heard close to Copacabana beach - where the race is due to finish.

Brazilian security services were seen investigating an area close to the press tribune as the peloton moved into the final 70km to race, with the explosion coming soon after.

However, concerns regarding the package were quickly dampened with officials suggesting there was nothing to worry about.

A Rio 2016 spokesman told The Guardian: "The security services found a suspicious package close to the cycle road race finish line in Copacabana and as a precaution decided to perform a controlled explosion.

"There is no impact to the race, which is ongoing."

Investigation opened after bullet enters equestrian venue 

An investigation has been opened after a bullet entered the media tent at the Olympic equestrian centre on Saturday.

Nobody was injured in the incident, which saw a military bullet reportedly land at the feet of photographers. A military base is adjacent to the equestrian centre in Deodoro.

Phil Wilkinson, Rio 2016's international media manager, confirmed to Omnisport that the episode, which left a small hole in the roof of the tent, was being investigated.

News of the stray bullet followed a controlled explosion of a suspicious package near the finish line of the men's cycling road race, which was carried out as a precaution.

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