The Vuelta a España, one of cycling’s most storied Grand Tours, has been thrown into the global spotlight for reasons far beyond athletic achievement this week. The 2025 edition, already brimming with anticipation as the peloton snaked through the Basque Country, has been rocked by a series of pro-Palestinian protests targeting the Israel Premier Tech cycling team. The result? An unprecedented neutralization of stage 11 in Bilbao, fierce debate among politicians and race officials, and a renewed discussion about the intersection of sports and politics on the world stage.
It all came to a head on September 3, 2025, when demonstrators—waving Palestinian and Basque flags—surged against metal barriers along the final kilometers of the Bilbao circuit. Police and security scrambled to contain the crowd, but the protest’s intensity forced organizers to call off the stage with about 10 kilometers left. No winner was declared, and the riders, officials, and fans were left stunned. The official time was taken at the 3-kilometer mark before the finish line, a rare occurrence in Grand Tour history.
But this wasn’t the first disruption of the race. Earlier, on stage 5 in Figueres, Israel Premier Tech’s team time trial was blocked by protestors. Stage 10 saw even more chaos—a demonstrator ran onto the road, causing Simone Petilli (Intermarché–Wanty) to crash. The tension was palpable, and the sense of unease only grew as the race pressed on. The Basque Country, with its own rich history of political activism and solidarity with marginalized groups, became the epicenter of these demonstrations. Local support for the Palestinian cause, as well as Spain’s official recognition of Palestine in May 2024, has only amplified the protests’ resonance.
Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, did not mince words when asked about the situation. Speaking on Radio Nacional de España (RNE) on September 4, he said, “I understand it, and I would certainly be in favour of it,” referring to calls for Israel Premier Tech’s expulsion from the Vuelta. However, he was quick to clarify the limits of his government’s power: “You know that this is not a decision made by the Spanish Government; it is made by the Union Cycliste Internationale. Therefore, the Spanish Government had no say in the participation.” Albares went on to draw parallels to the UCI’s suspension of Russian and Belarusian teams in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, suggesting a precedent for such action.
“We cannot continue to maintain a normal relationship with Israel as if nothing were happening,” Albares continued. “Because we have to send a message to Israel, to Israeli society. They have to understand that Europe and Israel can only relate—as stated in Article 2 of the Association Agreement—when human rights are respected, because as democratic countries, we base and relate to each other in that way.” These remarks reflect the broader political climate in Spain, where the left-wing government and much of the public have shown strong support for the Palestinian cause.
Race organizers, caught in the crossfire, have tried to balance the right to protest with the imperative of safety. In a statement issued after the Bilbao incident, the Vuelta’s technical director, Kiko García, said, “La Vuelta respects and defends the right to peaceful demonstration within the context of the event, but cannot tolerate any acts that put at risk the physical safety of the participants or any member of the race caravan.” García also expressed his hope for a swift resolution. “We know that if there are no reactions or there are no changes in any way, then the protests will continue,” he told reporters. “Our duty is to protect the race, of course, the riders and the teams—and we’re moving on that.”
Some, including García, have suggested that Israel Premier Tech should consider withdrawing voluntarily, or that the UCI should step in. But the team, owned by Israeli-Canadian businessman Sylvan Adams and composed of riders from six different countries, has stood firm. “Israel-Premier Tech is a professional cycling team. As such, the team remains committed to racing on at the Vuelta a España,” a team spokesperson said in a statement. “Any other course of action sets a dangerous precedent in the sport of cycling—not only for Israel Premier Tech, but for all teams.” The team also emphasized its respect for peaceful protest, provided it does not jeopardize safety: “Israel-Premier Tech has repeatedly expressed its respect for everyone’s right to protest, as long as those protests remain peaceful and do not compromise the safety of the peloton.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu weighed in from afar, praising the team’s resilience. “Great job to Sylvan and Israel’s cycling team for not giving in to hate and intimidation. You make Israel proud,” Netanyahu posted on X (formerly Twitter) on September 5. The team, for its part, thanked race organizers, the UCI, and supporters for their efforts to maintain a safe environment, while also expressing gratitude to the fans and fellow riders who offered support both publicly and privately.
The UCI, cycling’s governing body, condemned the disruption in Bilbao but declined to comment on the Spanish minister’s statements. In its own words, “The UCI reiterates the fundamental importance of the political neutrality of sports organizations within the Olympic Movement, as well as the unifying and pacifying role of sport. Major international sporting events embody a spirit of unity and dialogue, transcending differences and divisions.”
Despite the turmoil, the race continues—albeit with heightened security and a sense of uncertainty hanging over each stage. On September 5, the 13th stage, set in a rural, hilly region, was briefly interrupted when a small group of protestors ran onto the course and impeded the three stage leaders—none of whom belonged to Israel Premier Tech. Police swiftly removed the demonstrators, and the race resumed. A smaller protest at the start of the day’s stage in Cabezón de la Sal did not affect the riders.
Israel Premier Tech’s roster at the Vuelta features a diverse lineup: British riders Jake Stewart and Ethan Vernon (currently second in the points competition), American Matthew Riccitello (10th overall and second in the young rider category), Canadian Pier-André Côté, Italian Marco Frigo, Czech Jan Hirt, and Israeli Nadav Raisberg. The team, registered in Israel but with no direct state ties, earned its place in the WorldTour events through UCI points and is in line for promotion to the WorldTour next season.
As the Vuelta a España winds toward its scheduled finish in Madrid on September 14, the cycling world—and indeed, much of Europe—watches closely. Will the protests continue? Will the UCI intervene? The only certainty is that the intersection of sport and politics is once again front and center, with the peloton forging ahead amid swirling controversy and calls for change. For now, the riders race on, the debate rages, and the world waits to see what comes next on the roads of Spain.
