Israel-Premier Tech barred from race over protest fears

Due to concerns about public safety, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team was withdrawn from the Giro dell’Emilia in Bologna for the upcoming month.

The team was targeted by pro-Palestinian protests opposing Israel’s occupation of Gaza at the Vuelta a Espana this month, leading to the decision.

The final stage of the race was abandoned after protesters entered a portion of the course in Spain, which was the subject of a number of incidents.

After pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with police in Milan on Monday during a nationwide strike called by trade unions against Israel’s conduct in Gaza, there are concerns that the race in Italy on October 4th could experience similar disruptions.

The cycling team informed Israel-Premier Tech that the Giro dell’Emilia invitation had been withdrawn.

The organizers cited security concerns that were linked to planned protests that threatened to stymie the race. Our sport has been severely harmed by threats of violence, which we find regrettable.

Adriano Amici, the race’s organizer, stated that “for the safety of all athletes, technical staff, and spectators,” it was decided to exclude Israel-Premier Tech.

Bologna’s traditional autumn race, the Giro dell’Emilia, concludes near the city’s historic center, which has a sizable student population and a long history of left-wing politics.

In recent days, various organizations in Bologna have made threats to halt the race.

Despite being asked to stage sporting boycotts, the UCI, the world’s governing body for cycling, announced on Friday that it would continue to welcome Israeli competitors at its competitions.

The title sponsor of the Israel-Premier Tech squad urged the team to remove the word “Israel” from their name this week.

The team is owned by Israeli-Canadian property billionaire Sylvan Adams and includes five British riders, including four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome.

There have been growing calls for Israel to be expelled from international football competition since the UN commission of inquiry officially declared that it had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel denies this.

One senior player at the national football association has informed the BBC that the leadership of the ruling body Uefa wants to take action and that many nations are pushing for a vote on whether to remove Israel from European football.

In response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and the hostage of 251, the Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza.