UCI stands firm against sporting boycotts of Israel

The Israel-Premier Tech cycling team has been barred from competing in next week’s Giro dell’Emilia due to public safety concerns, race organisers confirmed on Sunday.

The decision follows repeated disruptions by pro-Palestinian protesters during the recent Vuelta a España, where the Israeli team was the main focus of demonstrations. With the October 4 race finishing in central Bologna, organisers feared protests could escalate at the final circuit.

“It is with regret that, following recent events and given the characteristics of the final circuit, for the safety of all athletes, technical staff, and spectators, I have had to forgo the participation of the Team this year,” race organiser Adriano Amici told Reuters.

Earlier this week, protests in Milan during a nationwide strike turned violent, adding to organisers’ concerns.

In a statement, Israel-Premier Tech said: “We find it extremely regrettable that threats of violence have disrupted our sport. We wish the organisers a successful race.”

The team confirmed it had been in talks with organisers in recent days and acknowledged that security was the decisive factor.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) reiterated Friday that it would continue to welcome Israeli athletes, rejecting calls for sporting boycotts.

Broader sporting and political tensions

The exclusion comes amid heightened global scrutiny of Israel. A UN Commission of Inquiry recently accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, a charge Israel rejects while defending its military actions as legitimate self-defence following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which killed 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken.

Israel-Premier Tech, which removed its name from riders’ jerseys during the Vuelta, is also reviewing its branding strategy for 2025 under sponsor pressure.