Officials in Germany have canceled this year’s annual Rund um den Finanzplatz Eschborn-Franfurt, following the arrest of a couple who were discovered in the act of bomb-making in their home near the route.
The Hesse state crime office said late Thursday that the race was called off because of “indications of a possible threat to the population.”
“Due to the actual and still unclear hazardous situation and its relationship to tomorrow’s cycling race, this event must sadly be cancelled due to safety reasons,” the police said in a statement Thursday evening. “Many people look forward, as every year, to tomorrow’s traditional event. But no matter how attractive the sport – because of the hazardous situation and the fact that at this point there are still too many unanswered questions, safety absolutely comes first!”
The suspected Islamist extremist and his wife were arrested overnight, and police found a bomb, a firearm, ammunition, and chemicals that can be used to make explosives.
German security officials said on Thursday they foiled what could have been an imminent Boston Marathon-style terror attack.
The route makes its way through the Taunus hills and passes through Oberursel, where the arrested couple lives.
This year’s race had more than 200 riders scheduled to participate.
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