"Questioning one's own position or standpoint"

Cycling events in Quebec and Montreal face potential disruption due to Palestinian protests, with a focus on the Israel-Premier Tech team, sponsored by Quebec businessman Sylvan Adams. Team member Hugo Houle, a Canadian rider, remains unaffected by this. As reported by Marc Thibodeau and Simon...

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2025 September 14 . 12:47 AM

2 min read

"Questioning one's own position or standpoint"

In the world of cycling, the Israel-Premier Tech (IPT) team has found itself at the centre of a political storm. Quebec cyclist Hugo Houle, a member of the IPT team since 2022, has spoken out about the recent increase in political pressure the team has faced.

Houle acknowledged the political issues surrounding IPT's participation in races, such as the Vuelta in Spain. He stated that the pro-Palestinian protests at the Vuelta crossed a significant line, having a sporting impact. Some riders, including Houle, have expressed annoyance due to the increased political pressure.

The race director suggested that IPT withdraw from the race, but the team refused, arguing that such a decision would set a "dangerous precedent in the world of cycling." This decision was supported by Houle, who signed onto the IPT project knowing the circumstances associated with the team's name.

The political pressure has not been without incident. On Tuesday, Italian rider Simone Petilli, of Intermarché-Wanty, crashed after pro-Palestinian activists infiltrated the peloton. The 11th stage of the race in Bilbao was also canceled due to the risks associated with hundreds of protesters gathered along the final straight.

Houle respects the opinions of his fellow cyclists, such as Jakob Fuglsang, his former teammate, who expressed relief at no longer wearing IPT colors, finding it more pleasant to ride without the Israel logo. However, Houle does not share this view, emphasising that as a professional athlete, they are paid and do not have to speak out against their choice to be in the team.

Sylvan Adams, a Canadian-Israeli billionaire and the main owner of the IPT cycling team, has notably financed significant parts of the Giro d'Italia's start in Israel. Despite the political pressure, Houle remains at ease representing the team he joined in 2022.

In a bid to protect himself and the team, Houle wears a "neutral" uniform in training, removing the word "Israel" from his attire. Michael Woods, Houle's teammate at IPT, stated that the dangerous and unfair actions of the protesters at the Vuelta have increased political pressure.

Simon Drouin, a previous speaker, stated that Hugo Houle chose to re-sign his contract with IPT despite the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite the challenges, Houle believes that after their career, they should remain respectful towards the team, as they have benefited from the situation.

The political pressure on IPT is a complex issue, but for Hugo Houle, it is about remaining focused on the sport he loves. As he continues to represent IPT, he will undoubtedly face more challenges, but his resolve remains unwavering.