Israel\u2013Premier Tech will not line up at next month\u2019s Giro dell\u2019Emilia after race organizers opted against inviting the team, citing security concerns.<\/p>\n
The decision follows a turbulent Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, where several stages were cut short due to pro-Palestinian demonstrations, and the final day in Madrid was scrapped altogether. Protesters had targeted the Israeli-registered squad during the race. Although the team is not sponsored by the State of Israel, and there are only three Israeli riders on it, it is co-owned by Sylvan Adams, an Israeli billionaire. Adams has referred to himself as the \u201cself-appointed ambassador of Israel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Organizers say they were left with no choice<\/p>\n
In Italy, local groups threatened to disrupt the Emilia race if the team appeared on the start list. Organizers say the escalating tension left them with no choice.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, the team won\u2019t be able to start,\u201d Giro dell\u2019Emilia president Adriano Amici told Reuters<\/a>. \u201cWe made this call to protect public safety. The climate is very tense and it would put both Israel\u2013Premier Tech and the rest of the peloton at risk. This was not a sporting decision\u2014it was simply unavoidable.\u201d<\/p>\n Because the Giro dell\u2019Emilia is a ProSeries event, organizers are not obliged to invite the Canadian-backed squad. Israel\u2013Premier Tech remains guaranteed entry to WorldTour races, but other ProSeries events are free to exclude the team.<\/p>\n