Israel-Premier Tech excluded from Giro dell'Emilia amid protest fears
Organizers say safety concerns over potential pro-Palestinian protests led to the exclusion ahead of the Italian race; the move follows disruptions at the Vuelta a España.
Israel-Premier Tech has been excluded from the Giro dell'Emilia, the traditional autumn one-day race in Bologna, scheduled for Oct. 4, because organizers cited security concerns over potential pro-Palestinian protests that could disrupt the event.
The decision follows disruptions at the Vuelta a España earlier this month, where protesters targeted the Israeli-sponsored team and several stages were altered or halted. Seven of the past 11 days of racing at the Vuelta were shortened or interrupted, and Spain's government estimated that more than 100,000 people were on the streets in Madrid for the final stage.
Bologna councilor Roberta Li Calzi welcomed the decision, saying sport should be a vehicle of universal values such as sharing, fair competition and solidarity. “We are satisfied to learn that this opinion is shared by the organization of the race, which today officially confirmed to us that the Israeli team will not take part in the Giro dell'Emilia,” she said. “I thank them for this sensitivity, which I believe is shared by a large part of our community.”
The team, co-owned by Israeli-Canadian financier Sylvan Adams, has faced pressure amid calls for boycotts tied to Israel's actions in Gaza. Premier Tech, the team's title sponsor, said this week that it expects the squad to be rebranded. The UCI says it will continue to welcome Israeli athletes at its competitions despite calls for sporting boycotts.
Israel-Premier Tech issued a statement saying that its invitation to the Giro dell'Emilia had been withdrawn and that organizers cited security concerns linked to planned protests. The club called the move regrettable and noted that threats of violence have disrupted the sport.
Race organizer Adriano Amici confirmed the decision was taken “for the safety of all athletes, technical staff and spectators.” The Giro dell'Emilia is Bologna's autumn classic, finishing near the historic city center in an area with a long political history and a large student presence. In the days leading up to the race, authorities warned of potential protests and planned disruptions as groups mobilized around the Gaza conflict.
The broader context includes ongoing international attention on Israel's war in Gaza. The conflict has sparked widespread debate in sport, including discussions about possible suspensions of Israeli teams from international competition. While the Vuelta and other events have been affected by protests, cycling's governing bodies have reiterated that they will continue to welcome athletes from all eligible nations.
The Giro dell'Emilia schedule in Bologna adds to a calendar season already marked by political tensions abroad. Protests and security concerns in Europe have raised questions about how sports leagues balance freedom of expression with the safety of athletes and spectators. Analysts note that sport has increasingly become a stage for geopolitical disputes, a trend reflected in recent debates over sanctions and boycotts involving Israel across different sports.
As the sport community watches how organizers handle the logistics of major races with politically charged environments, the immediate focus remains on safety and fair competition for the riders who remain on the starting line.
The Giro dell'Emilia, historically a showcase of Italian cycling talent, draws teams from around the world each autumn. Bologna residents have long supported the race, which passes through neighborhoods with a long history of left-wing activism and student engagement. Organizers' decision to exclude Israel-Premier Tech reflects a broader pattern of sports governance grappling with security when protests intersect with competition.
The team remains registered in Israel and owned by Adams, and it continues to compete in other events where security considerations permit. The broader debate around whether sporting bodies should enact boycotts or suspensions in response to geopolitical conflicts continues to unfold across football, basketball and other sports, with some officials discussing potential votes on suspensions in European competitions.