UCI president Lappartient explains why Israel is allowed in cycling races but Russia is not

David Lappartient, along with the UCI, already fully supported Israel and Israel-Premier Tech in the Vuelta, and the French UCI boss did so again on Friday. From Rwanda, where the World Cycling Championships are currently being held, he told RMC, among others: “Cycling is not a tool for sanctions. The IOC has confirmed our position, namely that sport is not a punitive measure.”

Instead, the UCI has already stated that sport must continue to connect people, including in cycling. "Sport is a means to an ideal: bringing people together to promote peace. And peace does not come through exclusion," said Lappartient, who was re-elected as UCI boss on Thursday for a third four-year term. He had no opponent in those elections.

The argument put forward in response to the UCI's position is: why was Russia excluded from cycling competitions a few years ago when it invaded Ukraine? “The Russian Olympic Committee is currently suspended because its statutes include the four oblasts that belong to Ukraine.”

“Russia attacked Ukraine during the Olympic truce, which the United Nations unanimously approved,” he added. According to Lappartient, Israel's attack on Gaza is a different matter. “Russia's exclusion is not directly due to the war. Otherwise, unfortunately, many more countries would have been suspended.”

Israel will participate in the Road World Championships this Sunday with Nadav Raisberg, and Israel-Premier Tech will also compete in upcoming races on the UCI calendar. Israel will also be present at the European Championships in France, which will require significant additional security. “Israeli athletes, like Palestinian athletes, are welcome in our competitions. Israel-Premier has the right to participate.”

Lappartient says he cannot do much about the fact that protests have again been announced around the European Championships and in Italy in the fall. “I know that the Spanish government wanted me to exclude Israel-Premier Tech from the Vuelta, but on what legal basis? If we start excluding one team, next year it will be another, for a different reason.”