Israel–Premier Tech's sports director determined to continue despite death threats and riders’ fears

Israel-Premier Tech is the target of massive protests by people along the side of the road in this Vuelta. However, it didn't stop at protests along the roadside. The team was already stopped on day 5 in the team time trial, and in stages 10 and 11, we saw protesters running on the road several times, even resulting in a crash. In the eleventh stage, the organization was forced to move the finish in Bilbao three kilometers earlier, without a stage winner.

Kiko Garcia, technical director of the Vuelta, called for Israel-Premier Tech to leave the race after the chaos on day 11. That had to come from the team itself, because the ASO does not have that authority. The UCI cycling union does, but on Wednesday evening, they wrote: "The UCI would like to reiterate that sport, and cycling in particular, plays a role in bringing people together and breaking down barriers between them. Sport should never be used as a punitive measure."

Israel-Premier Tech issued a statement saying that it wants to continue in the Vuelta. According to the team, withdrawing would set “a dangerous precedent” for the protesters, who would then be proven right in the eyes of the team. And so we will continue to see Israel in the Vuelta, and with it, undoubtedly, massive protests. “I think it's terrible. We are faced with insults and various verbal attacks. It's difficult for us, but we are a professional team and we can't say we're leaving, because then this would happen to us in every other race,” said Guerreiro.

Nevertheless, riding in the Vuelta is no fun for the seven riders who are still in the race. "We prepared well for the Vuelta, and we plan to continue. We knew that Bilbao was the riskiest place of all. I hope that things will go more smoothly now. We've been receiving death threats for days, and the riders are having a hard time and are afraid. It's irresponsible to give my opinion on what's happening in Gaza. I have my own way of thinking, but this is not the right time. I'm not happy with what I see, and many people within the team are not happy with what's happening in Gaza."