"Riders collaborate with organizers and UCI on the start line of Vuelta a España to discuss safety, with multiple pro-Palestine demonstrations causing concern"
The Vuelta a España, currently underway, experienced a disruption during stage 11 as a protest in the neutral zone caused a temporary halt. The stage started after a meeting between riders, race organisers, and the UCI, with the understanding that riders might have to rethink their decisions if protests become dangerous.
The meeting, held at the startline of stage 11 in Bilbao, was attended by several notable figures, including Jake Stewart from Israel-Premier Tech, Marc Soler (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Simone Petilli (Intermarché-Wanty), and Elia Viviani (Lotto). Petilli, a CPA representative, had crashed on stage 10 due to protests and expressed concerns about safety after the incident.
Cyclingnews, the extensive coverage provider for the 2025 Vuelta a Espana, has been posting updates on their social media platforms, including recent posts about the ongoing protests at the Vuelta. The organisation offers unlimited access to their Vuelta a Espana coverage for subscribers.
Protests against Israel-Premier Tech's inclusion in the Vuelta have not been limited to the current stage. Previous incidents have been reported at the Giro d'Italia in Figueres, Naples, and at the Tour de France in Toulouse. Despite these protests, Israel-Premier Tech has not appeared on the podium throughout the Vuelta at the stage start locations.
The Israel-Premier Tech riders have largely stayed away from the media, with only stage runner-ups Ethan Vernon and Marco Frigo making appearances. Armed police are semi-permanently standing near the Israel-Premier Tech vehicles at the Vuelta starts and finishes, similar to their presence at other races like the Tour de France.
The meeting discussed ongoing safety concerns due to pro-Palestine protests and a crash caused by demonstrators the previous day. However, it was clarified that the meeting was not held to discuss whether Israel-Premier Tech should continue racing at the Vuelta.
Since the restart, stage 11 has continued without incident. The ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation), the organisation that met with the riders and representatives, will undoubtedly continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety of all participants.
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