In a press release, the Spanish political party Izquierda Unida (United Left) has called on the national government to consider excluding Israel-Premier Tech from the Vuelta. According to the party, the participation of the ProTeam is unacceptable.
Earlier this year, Israel-Premier Tech experienced a similar situation in the Giro d'Italia, when protesters tried to keep them out of the stage race. This is because the team carries the name of the country that is still at war in Gaza and against it. Previously, the team had taken measures to limit protests, such as using neutral color schemes on the team bus and training clothing.
However, the international situation remains tense and a political debate about the team has now arisen in Spain. Izquierda Unida asks the government to propose to the Vuelta organizers to exclude Israel-Premier Tech. "Especially as long as the measures of the International Court of Justice regarding what is happening in Gaza remain in effect," the party stated.
"Elite sports practiced on Spanish soil must fully comply with the state's obligations concerning human rights and international law, as well as the principles of non-discrimination, integrity, and social responsibility. It is unacceptable that in Spain, sports teams that contribute to the institutional whitewashing of Israel’s image, as a result of the actions currently taking place in Gaza, are directly or indirectly promoted or normalized with government support," said the party.
Javier Guillén, race director of the Spanish stage race, emphasized that he did not personally invite Israel-Premier Tech, but that the team secured guaranteed participation as the second-best ProTeam in the UCI ranking. "They have the right to participate and we must allow it. Moreover, the team has not received a ban on participation from any authority."
