The homeland of the Israel - Premier Tech team is currently in a very tumultuous situation and many young cyclists have sadly been caught up in the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
“It’s such a trauma to all of us that I don’t think we’re ever going to be the same again. Not as a country and not as individuals,” lamented Guy Niv, the first Israeli to ride the Tour de France and in the space of 24 hours visited the funerals of two of close friends.
One incident that stands out as especially traumatic is the encounter between two 15-year-old cyclists on a training ride. The pair were set upon by attackers and sprayed with bullets. "They tried to flee, but were hit by a lot of bullets and had to undergo surgery," says the report. “We will do everything to support them and many others who will need our hand,” added Ron Baron, IPT founder, during an emotional visit to the youngsters' bedside.
The last ride: Israel's cycling community faces unthinkable losses The riders who were gunned down. The cyclists who hid under a bush for hours, playing dead. A 15-year-old cyclist who was ambushed, shot at, and became a hero. These are just some of the stories of the Israeli…
