Anti-Gran Camiño Movement Opposes Invitation of Israel-Premier Tech for 2026 Race Amidst Broadening Spanish Protests Against Team
In the world of cycling, a significant decision is looming over the participation of Israel-Premier Tech in the prestigious O Gran Camiño race, held in Galicia, northern Spain. The race organiser, Ezequiel Mosquera, has made it clear that he does not want Israel-Premier Tech to defend their victory from 2025.
Mosquera, a former professional cyclist, has emphasised the need for "rigour" and "maximum objectivity" in his decision-making process. This stance is in response to increasing calls to isolate Israeli sports teams following protests during the Vuelta a España, another major Spanish race.
The organisation that will decide which teams will be invited to participate in O Gran Camiño in 2026 is the Royal Spanish Cycling Federation (Real Federación Española de Ciclismo). However, smaller races like O Gran Camiño and other Spanish early-season races have the flexibility to choose which teams to invite.
The president of the Gran Canaria council has also expressed his disapproval, warning against hosting the final stages of the 2026 Vuelta if Israel-Premier Tech takes part. Furthermore, the Barcelona Sports councillor has expressed no desire for the team to participate in the city's Tour de France Grand Depart in 2023.
The controversy surrounding Israel-Premier Tech stems from the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In October 2023, a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel resulted in about 1,200 deaths and the taking of 251 hostages, sparking Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, at least 64,000 people have been killed by Israeli attacks, with much of Gaza being destroyed.
The protests during the Vuelta a España, where Ezequiel Mosquera was present, disrupted several stages, including the final day in central Madrid. Mosquera described the situation as "extremely tense" and "very difficult to manage" for riders, directors, and the organisation.
Despite the controversy, Israel-Premier Tech is expected to secure a WorldTour licence in 2026, granting automatic invitations to major races. However, the decision regarding their participation in O Gran Camiño remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Derek Gee, the 2025 O Gran Camiño winner, has not raced for Israel-Premier Tech since the summer and has unilaterally terminated his contract. The future of Israel-Premier Tech in Spanish cycling remains a topic of debate, with many calling for change in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
As the UCI prepares to reveal the 2026 race calendars at the Road World Championships in Rwanda, the decision regarding Israel-Premier Tech's participation in O Gran Camiño will undoubtedly be a significant point of discussion. Ezequiel Mosquera, in a statement, emphasised, "We want to continue protecting what we have; we're proud of what we've built in just four years." The future of Israel-Premier Tech in Spanish cycling remains to be seen.
In a positive note, protesters were present at this year's O Gran Camiño, but they did not disturb the racing. O Gran Camiño could also change dates for 2026 and be promoted to the ProSeries category, awarding more ranking points and attracting bigger teams.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the decision regarding Israel-Premier Tech's participation in O Gran Camiño will have far-reaching implications for the team, the sport of cycling, and the broader geopolitical landscape.
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