"Pello Bilbao expresses his confusion over UCI's inconsistency, asserting that the events in Gaza hark back to genocide, following protests during the Vuelta a España race"
Spanish Cyclist Pello Bilbao Accuses UCI of Hypocrisy Over Israel's Actions in Palestine
Pello Bilbao, a rider for Bahrain Victorious, has spoken out against the International Cycling Union (UCI) for what he perceives as hypocrisy in their handling of the Israel-Premier Tech team's participation in cycling events.
Bilbao, who participated in the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and Montreál, as well as the Vuelta a España in 2021, has expressed his concern over the UCI's stance on Israel's actions in Palestine. He questions the UCI's belief that the problem will be solved if Israel and Sylvan Adams leave the team, while Premier Tech remains as the Canadian squad.
The Spanish cyclist supports Pro-Palestine protests that disrupted the Vuelta a España, specifically stage 21, which failed to finish in central Madrid. He believes that the disruptions demonstrate the weakness of cycling in terms of controlling protests on open roads.
Bilbao finds it difficult to express his views about the Israel-Premier Tech team, as he has former teammates and acquaintances there. However, his comments suggest a growing movement among cyclists to speak out about the situation in Palestine and support Pro-Palestine causes.
Michal Kwiatkowski was one of the few riders to speak out about the potential for future protests and their impact on cycling races. Riders at the Vuelta voted to neutralize the racing if the protests put the riders at risk.
Bilbao believes that as more time passes, there is growing awareness that the situation in Palestine is a genocide. He has a 'Stop Genocide on Palestine' post on his Instagram account and agrees with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's position, calling for Israel to be banned from international sports, similar to Russia's ban after its invasion of Ukraine.
Bilbao is not alone in his views. He expresses gratitude towards those who protested and risked their lives to deliver food and break the blockade of Palestine, and believes that many others in the professional peloton share his views on the situation in Palestine.
The decision to allow the Israeli team Israel-Premier Tech to continue participating in the cycling World Championship and related events was upheld by race organizers and the UCI, despite Pro-Palestine protests demanding their exclusion. The team itself stated that withdrawing would set a dangerous precedent for professional cycling and all teams involved.
Bilbao also expresses confusion over the UCI's decision to treat Israel and Sylvan Adams differently from Russian Gazprom. He agrees with Sánchez's position and questions the UCI's hypocrisy, specifically in comparison to their actions regarding Russian Gazprom.
In October 2023, a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel led to Israel's ongoing military campaign in Palestine, resulting in approximately 64,000 deaths and extensive destruction, according to Palestine's Health Ministry. A UN commission of inquiry has concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Palestine.
Bilbao believes that the UCI, race judges, and government should have anticipated and prevented the disruptions at the Vuelta a España. He expressed gratitude towards those who protested and risked their lives to deliver food and break the blockade of Palestine. As the debate continues, it is clear that Bilbao's comments have added a new voice to the growing conversation about the situation in Palestine.
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