Israel–Premier Tech has removed its name from its cycling kit for the Vuelta a España, citing safety reasons after the race was targeted by pro-Palestine protesters.
While the team’s kit previously had its name across the chest, the new kit simply has its sponsor logos and monogram.
In a statement released on Saturday, Israel–Premier Tech said it had changed its kit to keep its riders and the rest of the peloton safe in light of the “dangerous” nature of some of the protests.
“Israel–Premier Tech has issued riders with team monogram-branded kit for the remainder of the race. The team name remains Israel–Premier Tech but the monogram kit now aligns with the branding decisions we have previously adopted for our vehicles and casual clothing,” the team said.
The BDS Movement called for protests at this year’s Grand Tours in April against the participation of Israel–Premier Tech. The team is co-owned by Canadian–Israeli billionaire Sylvan Adams, who is a vocal supporter of Israel.
While there were demonstrations at the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, there have been more prominent demonstrations at the Vuelta.
Protestors disrupted Israel–Premier Tech’s team time trial on 27 August, and there were more significant protests last week.
On stage 10 of the race, demonstrators entered the course, leading to Intermarché–Wanty’s Simone Petilli crashing.
After the incident, the riders' union, the Cyclistes Professionels Associés (CPA), met with race organisers before stage 11 to discuss how to approach the issue.
President of the CPA, Adam Hansen, said on Twitter: “We remind everyone that cyclists are not involved in political or social disputes – they are simply doing their job: racing. Their safety must never be put at risk.
“While we respect the right to peaceful protest, actions that endanger athletes cannot be accepted. Rider safety must remain the highest priority.”
Later that day, the race organisers cut stage 11 short by 3km and said there would be no stage winner due to protests at the finish line in Bilbao.
Cycling’s governing body, the UCI, then said it “firmly condemned” the protests and stressed the importance of political neutrality in sport.
Following stage 11, Israel–Premier Tech said it would not withdraw from the race, saying the team “remains committed” to La Vuelta.
Protests continued at the race through the weekend.
Israel–Premier Tech also participated in the Tour of Britain, which concluded yesterday, where its kit retained its full name.
