Israel - Premier Tech under pressure to be removed from Il Lombardia and other Italian races

Israel - Premier Tech have had their participation from the Giro dell'Emilia removed and there may be more races removed from their calendar. Protestors in Italy are now pressuring the Israeli team to be removed from Tre Valli Varesine, Coppa Bernocchi and lastly Il Lombardia.

The Varese to Gaza Committee has said that "it is not possible to hold sporting competitions while ignoring international events that are enabling genocidal policies enacted by Israel" and has vowed to take action if the demand isn't followed. At this time, Israel continues to be under extreme criticism over its actions in the Gaza Strip and Palestine, which see no end to the brutality and dozens of daily civilian deaths. 

Hence, there is also no end in sight for the protests against the team. "Without a doubt, the eyes of the world will be on our territory. We have the choice of whether to give prominence to the province and the region as those who allow accomplices of genocide to find space on our streets, or as those who stand on the side of the oppressed, of humanity."

At the time being after La Vuelta's protests, other race organizers are pressuring the team to take action. If it does not go out, then the most likely scenario is a complete rebranding of the team with the removal of its Israel license and name from the team. If not, it is very likely that both Premier Tech (title sponsor) and Factor (bike supplier) will abandon ship, whilst bringing in new sponsors and riders amidst such a chaotic situation may prove to be incredibly difficult for the team.

From non-World Tour races there may be some more space to remove the Israeli team, although the Giro dell'Emilia was only the first such case. However towards Il Lombardia it is not easy to understand how the situation to develop.

The World Tour event has a mandatory wildcard given to the team, which will want to participate in what is one of the most important races of the season. At La Vuelta, race organizers argued time and time again that only the UCI could take action. But the UCI is following the Olympic guidelines, which led to a standstill in terms of taking any action.