The Israeli cycling team will not be allowed to participate in the race in Italy due to concerns about pro-Palestinian protests.

Israeli Cycling Team Will Not Participate in Giro dell’Emilia

The Israeli cycling team Israel Premier Tech will not participate in the Giro dell’Emilia race, scheduled for October 4. This decision was made due to safety concerns from the organizers.

According to Ciro Scognamiglio, major protests are expected at the event from pro-Palestinian activists, who threaten to organize mass demonstrations if the team arrives at the start. The activists’ support also came from the local authorities of Emilia-Romagna, one of the race’s sponsors.

Previous Events with Protests

The August protests at the Vuelta 2025 foreshadowed the current issues. Spanish police detained one of the demonstration participants, leading to concerns about holding events in Italy. Large-scale protests at the request of activists in Italian cycling races have not yet taken place, adding seriousness to the current situation.

Reaction to the Situation

The position of the organizers is becoming increasingly difficult due to threats from the protesters. With the race approaching, the emerging threat may affect the mass participation of spectators, who traditionally attend such events.

The Future of Cycling in the Face of Protests

The issue of safety at sporting events is attracting the attention of both organizers and athletes. It is expected that the consequences of this incident may significantly impact the future of races not only in Italy but also in other countries.

The importance of open and calm conditions for competitions is evident, and various protests once again highlight the degree of social tension surrounding sporting events. Pro-Palestinian actions may create a precedent, and organizers will be forced to approach safety issues more flexibly.