Protesters for Palestine cause safety concerns during the start of Vuelta a Espana; riders and organizers discuss the matter with UCI on the stage.
The Vuelta a España is currently underway, and the ongoing race has been marked by a series of pro-Palestine protests. The latest incident occurred during Stage 11, which was temporarily halted due to a protest in the neutral zone.
The race organizer Unipublic is managing the situation, consulting with teams such as Israel-Premier Tech regarding their continued participation. Despite pressure and escalating protests, Israel-Premier Tech has remained committed to racing on.
A meeting was held at the startline of Stage 11 in Bilbao, attended by riders, race organizers, and UCI representatives. The discussion focused on ongoing safety concerns due to the multiple pro-Palestine protests and a crash caused by demonstrators. It was clarified that the meeting was not held to discuss whether Israel-Premier Tech should continue racing at the Vuelta.
Jake Stewart, a rider from Israel-Premier Tech, was present at the meeting. Riders such as Marc Soler (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Simone Petilli (Intermarche-Wanty), and Elia Viviani (Lotto) also participated in the discussion.
Petilli, a representative of the CPA, has expressed safety concerns, stating that their safety is not guaranteed if protests continue. He was involved in a crash on stage 10 due to protests. Other riders have echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for a secure environment during the race.
Armed police are semi-permanently standing near the Israel-Premier Tech vehicles at the Vuelta starts and finishes, as they have done at other races like the Tour de France. This measure is intended to ensure the safety of all participants.
Despite the challenges, Israel-Premier Tech hasn't appeared on the podium throughout the Vuelta at the stage start locations. The team's riders, aside from stage runner-ups Ethan Vernon and Marco Frigo, have largely stayed away from the media.
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It's important to note that Israel is currently engaged in armed conflict in Gaza, with the United Nations calling for a ceasefire amidst growing concerns over reports of famine in the territory.
As the Vuelta a España continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all participants and maintaining the integrity of the race. The ongoing protests serve as a reminder of the complex geopolitical issues that can impact even the most athletic pursuits.
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