Israel-Premier Tech Excluded from Giro dell’Emilia Due to Protests

The Israel-Premier Tech cycling team has been excluded from the upcoming Giro dell’Emilia race scheduled for October 4, 2023. Organizers announced the decision on Saturday, citing public safety concerns following recent protests that disrupted the Vuelta a España, where the team was a focal point of demonstrations.

The one-day race, which concludes in Bologna, has raised fears that its finish line may also become a site for protests. Tensions escalated during a nationwide strike in Italy on Monday, where pro-Palestinian demonstrators clashed with police in cities including Milan. This strike was organized by trade unions in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has seen significant casualties.

Race organizer president Adriano Amici expressed regret over the decision, stating, “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.” This statement was reported by Reuters.

The decision to exclude Israel-Premier Tech follows a turbulent period for the team. During the Vuelta a España, they opted to remove their name from riders’ jerseys in a move to distance themselves from the political turmoil surrounding the conflict. The team has been in discussions with race organizers about the situation over the past few days.

Despite the protests, the world cycling governing body, UCI, reaffirmed its commitment to including Israeli athletes in competitions, rejecting calls for sporting boycotts. A spokesperson for Israel-Premier Tech remarked, “We find it extremely regrettable that threats of violence have disrupted our sport,” while wishing the organizers a successful race.

The backdrop to these events is a serious escalation of violence in Gaza, where recent reports indicate that over 64,000 people have died as a result of the ongoing conflict. These figures have drawn international scrutiny, with a recent UN Commission of Inquiry alleging that Israel committed genocide in Gaza—a claim that Israel has vehemently rejected. The situation continues to evolve, with additional calls for Israel’s suspension from international sporting events, including football competitions under the auspices of the Union of European Football Associations.

Israel is currently embroiled in a legal battle at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, contesting accusations of genocide following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the taking of 251 hostages, according to Israeli sources. The war has had a devastating impact on Gaza, with a global hunger monitor indicating that parts of the territory are facing famine conditions.

As the conflict continues to unfold, Israel-Premier Tech is actively reviewing its branding for future events, with sponsors pressing for a potential name change. The team’s exclusion from the Giro dell’Emilia highlights the broader implications of political tensions on sports and athletes worldwide.