During Israel-Premier Tech’s team time trial on Stage 5 of the Vuelta a España, a dangerous incident occurred when a group of pro-Palestine protesters blocked the road with banners as the team approached at high speed. Despite efforts by police motorbikes to clear the way, the riders were temporarily held up.
While the riders appeared able to brake in time, they had to ride carefully to avoid the demonstrators. Several team members were briefly stopped by the protesters. Thankfully no riders fell.
Juste avant le passage d’Israël-Premier Tech, cinq manifestants pro-Palestine ont bloqué la route sur ce contre-la-montre par équipes. Les coureurs ont dû ralentir, perdant quelques secondes. #LaVuelta25
📹 via @machefer_tompic.twitter.com/9Ijs7tB4nJ— Le Gruppetto (@LeGruppetto) August 27, 2025
Earlier in the day, Spanish political party Izquierda Unida (United Left) called on the national government to consider excluding Israel-Premier Tech from the Vuelta, describing the team’s participation as unacceptable.
There were also protesters who tried to get in the way of the team when they descended down the start ramp.
This is not the first time the team has faced protests. During the Giro d’Italia earlier this year, demonstrators also tried to block Israel-Premier Tech, citing the team’s association with Israel, which continues military operations in and around Gaza. International organization including Amnesty International, have raised concerns about the situation there. In response, the team has previously taken measures to limit protests, such as using neutral colours on their team bus and training kit. Former riders of the team have also said they are thankful not to be riding for the team during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
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