The Israel-Premier Tech cycling team have been excluded from next month’s Giro dell’Emilia in Bologna over public safety concerns.<\/p>\n
The decision follows disruption at the Vuelta a Espana this month, where the team were targeted by pro-Palestinian protests opposing Israel’s war in Gaza.<\/p>\n
The event in Spain was affected by several incidents, with the final stage being abandoned after protesters entered part of the course<\/a>.<\/p>\n There are fears the race in Italy on 4 October could be affected by similar disruptions after pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with police in Milan on Monday during a nationwide strike called by trade unions against Israel’s conduct in Gaza.<\/p>\n “It is with regret that, following recent events and given the characteristics of the final circuit, for the safety of all athletes, technical staff, and spectators, I have had to forgo the participation of the team this year,” race organiser president Adriano Amici told Reuters.<\/p>\n The Giro dell’Emilia is the traditional autumn race in Bologna finishing near the city’s historic centre, which has a large student population and a long history of left-wing politics. <\/p>\n In recent days, various groups in Bologna have announced potential protests and attempts to halt the race.<\/p>\n On Friday, world cycling governing body the UCI said it will continue to welcome Israeli athletes at its competitions despite calls for sporting boycotts.<\/p>\n “We find it extremely regrettable that threats of violence have disrupted our sport,” a spokesperson for Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters.<\/p>\n “We wish the organisers a successful race.”<\/p>\n This week the Israel-Premier Tech squad’s title sponsor urged the team to drop the word ‘Israel’ from their name<\/a>.<\/p>\n The team, whose five British riders include four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome, is Israeli registered and owned by Israeli-Canadian property billionaire Sylvan Adams.<\/p>\n