Israel-Premier Tech barred from Italian Giro dell'Emilia due to protest security concerns

The Israel-Premier Tech cycling team has been barred from participating in the 2025 Giro dell'Emilia race in Italy due to security concerns stemming from anticipated protests. This decision follows disruptions at the Vuelta a España, where pro-Palestinian demonstrations opposing Israel's actions in Gaza led to the cancellation of final stages. Organizers, including race director Adriano Amici, cited public safety as the primary reason, fearing that the team's presence could provoke protests that might endanger riders, staff, and spectators. The local government in Bologna, known for its left-wing activism and student population, supported the exclusion, linking it to political opposition to Israel's government. Israel-Premier Tech expressed regret over the decision, condemning threats of violence that interfere with the sport. Meanwhile, cycling's governing body, the UCI, affirmed that Israeli athletes remain welcome at competitions despite boycott calls, and sponsors have suggested the team consider rebranding to remove "Israel" from its name to avoid further disruptions.