Israeli team takes country's name from Vuelta kits
The decision was announced by the cycling team itself, in response to the various protests that have taken place during the Vuelta a España and which have even caused disruptions to the race.
"In order to prioritize the safety of our riders and the entire peloton, given the dangerous nature of some protests at the Vuelta, Israel–Premier Tech has provided riders with team-monogrammed gear for the remainder of the race," reads a post on the social network X.
In the interest of prioritizing the safety of our riders and the entire peloton, in light of the dangerous nature of some protests at @lavuelta , Israel – Premier Tech has issued riders with team monogram-branded kit for the remainder of the race. The team name remains Israel –… pic.twitter.com/Dfw6FXegpM
— Israel – Premier Tech (@IsraelPremTech) September 6, 2025
"The team name remains Israel–Premier Tech, but the monogrammed gear is now aligned with the branding decisions we previously made for our vehicles and casual wear," said the team, owned by Israeli-Canadian billionaire Sylvan Adams.
Spain's premier cycling race and one of the most prestigious in the world, the Vuelta a España has been the scene of several pro-Palestine actions and protests against the Israeli team's participation.
On September 3, the 11th stage had to be canceled due to security concerns, as several activists were gathered in the finish line waving Palestinian flags, with the protective barriers almost giving way.
Kiko García, technical director of the Vuelta a España, even suggested that Israel–Premier Tech should abandon the race to end the protests. "We're all going to try, together, to force people to understand that the situation isn't easy and that, together, we can find a solution. For me, there's only one, and we all know what it is: Israel itself realizing that being here doesn't make everyone else's safety any easier. Israel has received special treatment in terms of protection, in the race, in the hotels, around the bus, and around the cyclists. Now, what's at risk are the lives of the athletes who are doing their job," he told the Spanish press.
The team, however, refused to abandon the race. "Israel-Premier Tech is a professional cycling team. Therefore, the team remains committed to its participation in the Vuelta a España. Any other decision or action sets a dangerous precedent in cycling. Not just for Israel-Premier Tech, but for all teams. The Vuelta organizers and the police are doing everything they can to create a safe environment. The team is very grateful to them for this. However, the behavior of the protesters in Bilbao was not only dangerous, but also backfired, depriving the Basque fans of the finale they deserve," the team responded in a statement.
With Israel-Premier Tech refusing to withdraw from the race, the only way to prevent the Israeli team from competing would be through action by the International Cycling Union, which oversees the sport internationally. The UCI, however, supports its continued participation, "firmly condemning the acts that led to the neutralization" of the 11th stage and emphasizing "the fundamental importance of the political neutrality of the sports organizations united in the Olympic Movement, as well as the unifying and pacifying role of sport."
"Major international sporting events embody a spirit of unity and dialogue, transcending differences and divisions. In this sense, the UCI reaffirms its commitment to political neutrality, independence, and autonomy in sport, in accordance with the founding principles of the Olympic Movement. The UCI also wishes to recall that sport, and cycling in particular, has the vocation of bringing people together and overcoming barriers between them and should never, under any circumstances, be used as a tool for sanctions. The UCI expresses its full solidarity and support to the teams and their staff, as well as to the cyclists, who must be able to pursue their profession and their passion in optimal conditions of safety and serenity," it wrote in a statement.
observador
