Spreading concern over prospective bike race disruptions due to protests, following the disorderly Vuelta a Espana event.
In a series of unprecedented events, pro-Palestinian demonstrations have disrupted two major cycling races this year, raising concerns about the safety and integrity of future events.
The first disruption occurred during the 11th stage of the Tour de France in Toulouse in July, where a man wearing a T-shirt reading "Israel out of the Tour" caused a commotion at the finish line. This was followed by similar protests during the 15th stage of the Giro d'Italia in Naples in May.
The protests were sparked by the presence of the Israel-Premier Tech team in both races. The team, 13th in the UCI rankings, is automatically invited to all prestigious races. Despite pressure from other riders and the race director, the team refused to withdraw from the Vuelta a España, causing the race to be called off prematurely on its final day. The winner, Jonas Vingegaard, was crowned in a hotel car park.
The International Cycling Union (UCI), the sport's governing body, expressed its disapproval and concern about these events, considering them a serious violation of the Olympic Charter and the fundamental principles of sport. Michal Kwiatkowski, an experienced Polish rider, stated that the protesters achieved their goal during the Vuelta and it cannot be ignored.
The war in Gaza, which was sparked by Hamas' Oct. 7, 2021 attack on Israel, has resulted in the deaths of at least 64,905 people, mostly civilians, according to figures from Gaza's health ministry that the UN considers reliable. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed "deep admiration" for the protesters and called for a sporting ban on Israel, a position that incurred criticism from the UCI.
The next destination of the Giro d'Italia 2024 is not yet known, but concerns about the Vuelta a España 2023 setting a problematic precedent for road races on public streets have been raised. The Giro d'Italia Women 2025 is known to start in Bergamo and end in Imola, remaining mostly in northern Italy.
Javier Guillen, the Vuelta director, expressed hope that the conflict in Gaza will be resolved before the Tour de France next year, which begins with three stages on Spanish soil. However, the potential for similar protests at the Tour de France, the highest profile race in the world, has not been ruled out.
As the cycling community grapples with these events, the UCI is working to ensure the safety and integrity of future races while respecting the rights of all participants and spectators. The future of cycling races on public streets remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the events of this year have sparked a conversation that will continue to shape the sport in the years to come.
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