Bomb squad probing possible blast near cycling finish line

In recent days, bomb squad members have detonated a number of unattended bags in controlled explosions in Rio.

Brazilian security services carried out a controlled explosion near Copacabana beach during the men’s Olympic road race on Saturday.

Omnisport understands that the loud bang heard with 70 kilometres of the race to go was actually a false alarm. He did not give his name because he was not authorized to speak.

A bomb disposal unit and several military police officers were seen close to the finish line. With bomb scares leading up to the Games, there was concern about what it could have been.

No one was immediately evacuated, and no injuries have been reported so far.

The two bags were later found to be safe, but both incidents have proven a reminder of the raised security measures being employed in Rio while the Olympics takes place. A few blocks of the high end neighborhood of Leblon were shut down two weeks ago when a doorman reported a suspicious package in front of a building. As it turns out, the bomb squad had already been called in and the blast was from them.