UCI President David Lappartient has reaffirmed the governing body’s commitment not to pursue any kind of ban on Israeli teams, despite ongoing, disruptive protests against the inclusion in races of squads such as Israel-Premier Tech.
Israel-Premier Tech is not a state-sponsored team, but is registered in Israel and features the nation’s name in their branding, which has led to protests at the Vuelta a España and other races this year.
This comes after two of the team’s sponsors, Premier Tech and bike brand Factor, apparently put pressure on the team to make a change.
On the topic of the recent pro-Palestine protests that have been present at several races and particularly disruptive at the Vuelta a España, with multiple stages shortened and the road invaded by demonstrators, Lappartient re-stated the UCI’s position that this is something “we can’t accept at all”.
However, other than condemning the disruptive actions – whilst affirming the UCI’s recognition of the right to protest – the president failed to suggest how the governing body may put a stop to this ongoing issue.
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