Israel - Premier Tech removed from 3 more Italian autumn classics and Il Lombardia could be next

Earlier this week it had been reported that after the Giro dell'Emilia, the Varese to Gaza Committee have requested the race organizers of several more Italian classics to remove Israel - Premier Tech from their race. After the first race has taken action in collaboration with the team, several more races have now taken the same decision.

Besides the Giro dell'Emilia, Israel - Premier Tech will not be competing at Coppa Bernocchi, Tre Valli Varesine and Gran Piemonte. There was no decision taken on Il Lombardia, because it is a World Tour event and the Israeli team has earned the right to have a wildcard to participate in the race, but it wouldn't come as a surprise that there would also be an absence there. Or as has happened at La Vuelta, the team could race without the 'Israel' name in their equipment and vehicles, although it most likely would not have much of an impact in the potential protests.

Currently in Italy there are large-scale protests in several cities over the continuous murder of civilians in the Gaza Strip which amounts to many dozens of thousands at the time being, but also over the arrest of hundreds of people and blocking of dozens of boats that were heading to Gaza with humanitarian aid, and the lack of consequences towards Israel. Italy is one of the countries in which the current protesting is at it's strongest level, and it comes at a time where the Italian calendar is also packed with top level races.

Not only this, but the team faces an existential crisis, having to switch names, sponsors and nationality if it is to remain at the top level of the sport, also threatening it's promotion to the World Tour. Premier Tech itself and bike supplier Factor have directly called for action so as to not be associated with Israel.