Israel - Premier Tech awarded 15-seconds improved time by jury after their TTT is hindered by protests

Unfortunately, politics continue to play a role in the sport of cycling. Such was the case during the anticipated team time trial in Figueres. Israel - Premier Tech seemed to be on their way to clock a strong time over the 24-kilometer course, until suddenly they came to a standstill. A group of protesters ran on the course with political slogans, blocking the path of the eight riders. The ProTeam eventually lost 54 seconds on the course, but their final time will be different.

After a consultation between relevant parties, the President of the Commissaires’ Panel, with approval of the Organiser confirmed that Israel - Premier Tech's time will be improved by 15 seconds to 26:05.82, losing 39 seconds to winner UAE Team Emirates - XRG.

Vuelta a a Espana boss Javier Guillén, was blunt after the incident: "We are going to file a complaint; we cannot allow what happened." The race's top official emphasized that rider safety is non-negotiable: "When it is protested with violence, it ceases to be a just cause," he stated.

"We respect everyone's right to freedom of speech, however we absolutely condemn the dangerous acts of the protesters on stage 5 of the Vuelta a España which not only compromised the safety of our riders, race personel, but the protesters themselves," Israel - Premier Tech commented on the socials.